My journey in archaeology began in Nigeria, where I completed a BSc and an MSc in Archaeology at the University of Ibadan. That training gave me a grounding in archaeological research and heritage management, and an early interest in how archaeology is practised, regulated and the role of archaeology in understanding the past.
Since moving to the UK, I have continued to build my experience as a Fieldwork Technician with Wessex Archaeology, gaining practical experience in excavation, recording, health and safety, project delivery, and the professional standards that guide archaeological work in the UK.
Alongside this, my role as Project Manager with the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City, Nigeria. I design and manage field projects, oversee budgets and timelines, and lead training programmes that build local capacity in heritage management. Recent work includes a large-scale LiDAR survey of the Benin Moat system, digital mapping of endangered sites in Edo State, and supervising excavation and recording on MOWAA's collaborative projects.
I applied for MCIfA because I wanted my professional development to be formally recognised, and because the process itself is a genuinely useful exercise in reflection of skills and experience I had gained throughout my career. Working through the CIfA competence matrix, I mapped each area against concrete examples from my own work, a particular excavation and its recording system, a specific risk assessment, a project I had costed and delivered, a training session I had run. What struck me was how much of the evidence came from ordinary practice. Competence is built through everyday work, following safe working procedures, producing consistent and accurate records, communicating clearly within a team, and understanding why the standards and guidance exist.
My advice to anyone considering the upgrade is to start early and keep records as you go, and to remember that a few well-evidenced examples are stronger than a long list. Above all, do not undersell practical experience, fieldwork, health and safety responsibilities. Supervision and project delivery are exactly the kind of evidence the competence matrix is looking for.
Achieving MCIfA has been an important milestone. It has strengthened my commitment to continuing professional development and to contributing to the profession here in the UK and in Africa.