Chizoba Chinyere Igweonu-Onyehalu
Abuja,Nigeira
Summary
International higher education recruitment and partnerships professional with over 12 years of experience spanning international student recruitment, admissions, compliance, market development and strategic stakeholder engagement. Currently leading student recruitment across Sub-Saharan Africa for London South Bank University, with responsibility for regional strategy, market intelligence, partnership development, recruitment marketing, budget allocation, conversion and stakeholder management. Proven track record of driving recruitment growth, expanding market presence, strengthening institutional partnerships and supporting visa compliance, with extensive experience working across diverse African markets and building effective relationships with agents, institutions, students and senior higher education stakeholders.
Overview
3
3
Languages
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Recruitment Manager – Sub-Saharan Africa
London South Bank University
08.2022 - Current
- Lead the development and execution of LSBU’s student recruitment strategy across Sub-Saharan Africa, with responsibility for market growth, nationality and subject diversification, partnership development and delivery against regional recruitment objectives.
- Provide strategic leadership across priority markets, balancing established recruitment markets with emerging opportunities across West, East and Southern Africa to support sustainable long-term growth and greater nationality diversification.
- Lead market intelligence, competitor analysis and data-driven research to identify growth opportunities, assess market risks and inform regional recruitment planning, forecasting and investment decisions.
- Lead regional budget strategy and optimisation, using recruitment performance data and market intelligence to direct investment towards high-performing markets, agents, institutional partnerships and recruitment activity, maximising return on investment and supporting sustainable regional growth.
- Build, manage and strengthen strategic relationships with high-value education agents, institutions, pathway providers and other key stakeholders, developing partnerships that support sustainable student recruitment and long-term market growth.
- Lead partner performance management through structured reviews, recruitment analysis and targeted engagement, identifying opportunities for improvement and ensuring partner activity remains aligned with institutional objectives and compliance expectations.
- Develop and deliver integrated recruitment, marketing and conversion strategies across the region, combining in-market activity, institutional engagement, digital campaigns, virtual events and targeted student communications to strengthen the applicant journey from awareness through to enrolment.
- Represent LSBU at senior-level meetings, government and sector engagements, education conferences, recruitment events and stakeholder forums, acting as a senior regional ambassador for the University.
- Provide strategic market insight to senior leadership and internal stakeholders, translating regional trends, competitor activity, policy developments and student behaviour into actionable recommendations for recruitment, marketing and portfolio planning.
- Work collaboratively across recruitment, marketing, admissions, compliance, faculties and senior leadership to develop joined-up approaches to regional growth, applicant conversion, student experience and risk management.
- Lead the resolution of complex student, partner and stakeholder issues, exercising sound judgement and ensuring concerns are addressed professionally, promptly and in line with University policies.
- Champion the use of AI, data and digital tools to improve market research, recruitment planning, communications, reporting, forecasting and decision-making, driving greater efficiency and insight across regional activity.
- Monitor regional recruitment performance against targets, using data and market intelligence to identify emerging risks, adjust activity and recommend interventions to maintain recruitment momentum.
- Contribute to wider institutional internationalisation objectives by identifying opportunities for strategic partnerships, market expansion and increased representation of LSBU across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited
- Key Achievements & Impact at LSBU
- Delivered a 100% visa success rate across the two most recent LSBU intakes in 2026, demonstrating effective regional risk management and applicant support amid significant UKVI policy and compliance changes.
- Achieved a 100% growth in student recruitment within the first year of taking responsibility for the LSBU Sub-Saharan Africa region.
- Optimised regional recruitment investment by shifting activity towards higher-converting agents, institutional partnerships and data-led channels, improving budget efficiency.
- Expanded strategic engagement beyond established West African markets, developing recruitment opportunities across East and Southern Africa to support nationality diversification.
- Led high-impact regional recruitment and engagement initiatives, including bespoke market visits, agent engagement, institutional partnerships and student conversion activity.
- Strengthened LSBU's regional visibility through targeted partnerships, digital engagement, events and stakeholder relation.
Regional Recruitment Officer- West Africa
Middlesex University
01.2014 - 09.2021
- Contributed to the establishment and successful operation of Middlesex University’s regional office in West Africa as part of a five-person team, supporting the University’s growing presence and recruitment activity across the region.
- Supported the development and delivery of regional student recruitment and engagement strategies, contributing to enrolment targets and wider international recruitment objectives.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with education agents, prospective students, parents, schools and other key stakeholders to generate interest, support applications and improve student conversion.
- Represented Middlesex University at education fairs, exhibitions, open days, school visits and recruitment events, delivering presentations and providing accurate guidance on programmes, entry requirements and the student journey.
- Managed prospective student engagement and follow-up throughout the recruitment cycle, maintaining regular communication with applicants and partner agents to support progression from enquiry through to enrolment.
- Provided guidance to prospective students and partners on admissions requirements, programme suitability, fees, application processes and visa-related requirements, helping students make informed decisions about their studies.
- Worked collaboratively with Middlesex University teams and colleagues across Nigeria, Dubai, Malta, Mauritius and London, ensuring effective coordination of recruitment, admissions and student support activities across multiple markets.
- Supported regional admissions and administrative processes, ensuring applications, enquiries and student cases were handled accurately, efficiently and within required timelines.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of University programmes, admissions policies and relevant visa requirements to provide accurate and consistent information to students, parents and recruitment partners.
- Contributed to market intelligence and stakeholder feedback, sharing insights on student demand, competitor activity and emerging recruitment opportunities to support regional planning.
- Supported the delivery of student and partner communications, helping to strengthen the University’s engagement with prospective students and recruitment partners across West Africa.
National Youth Service Corps Member
Government House Clinic
06.2011 - 12.2013
- Managed reception and visitor support, ensuring a professional and welcoming experience.
- Maintained patient registration records and a comprehensive database.
- Responded to virtual and in-person enquiries and supported regular national youth service activities.
- Supported fellow volunteers with approaches for engaging young people and encouraging positive behaviours.
Regional Admissions & Compliance Manager – West Africa
- Led regional admissions and compliance operations across West Africa, overseeing application assessment, documentation, offer issuance, CAS and enrolment processes.
- Managed regional compliance risk, reviewing applications and identifying academic, financial and visa-related concerns before progression.
- Monitored visa refusal and admissions trends to identify risk areas and inform recruitment and compliance strategies across the region.
- Advised and trained education agents and recruitment partners on admissions requirements, documentation standards and UKVI compliance.
- Collaborated with admissions, recruitment, academic and visa compliance teams to resolve complex cases and improve application quality and conversion.
- Implemented risk-based admissions processes that strengthened compliance while supporting regional recruitment objectives.
- Managed high-risk and complex applicant cases, ensuring appropriate escalation, documentation and timely resolution.
- Produced regional admissions and compliance reports for senior management, providing insight into performance, emerging risks and market trends.
Education
BSc - Biological Sciences
University of Abuja
NigeriaSkills
- International Student Recruitment
- Sub-Saharan Africa Market Development
- Regional Recruitment Strategy
- Business Development & Partnerships
- Agent & Stakeholder Management
- Market Intelligence & Data Analysis
- Budget & Resource Management
- International Marketing
- Admissions & Visa Compliance
- Student Conversion & Engagement
- Strategic Account Management
- Public Speaking & Stakeholder Engagement
Languages
English
Igbo
Hausa
Accomplishments
- Achieved 100% visa success rate across the two most recent LSBU intakes during changing UKVI requirements.
- Increased London South Bank University student recruitment by 100% within one year, supporting the University's nationality and subject diversification strategy.
- Significantly strengthened LSBU's brand visibility and engagement across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Part of a five-person team that established and successfully operated Middlesex University's regional office in West Africa.
- Increased student recruitment and retention by over 100% during the final three years at Middlesex University.
Custom
International education, Student recruitment, Market development, Higher education partnerships, True
Recognitions
Recognised by colleagues at QS Quacquarelli Symondsb as a Q2 2026 Applaud Winner, receiving the Ambition & Integrity Awards at QS.
Timeline
Regional Recruitment Manager – Sub-Saharan Africa
London South Bank University
08.2022 - Current
Regional Recruitment Officer- West Africa
Middlesex University
01.2014 - 09.2021
National Youth Service Corps Member
Government House Clinic
06.2011 - 12.2013
Regional Admissions & Compliance Manager – West Africa
BSc - Biological Sciences
University of Abuja