New book explores U.S., China’s investments in Nigeria
While Saidat Ilo was working on her dissertation, she saw how her research into economic growth in Nigeria highlighted how interconnected the economies and economic interests of different nations can be. Now, she has put that insight into a new book.
Ilo’s book, “Governance and Economic Growth in Nigeria: The Role of China and the U.S. between 2001–2011,” was recently published by Rowman & Littlefield. The University of Houston-Victoria associate professor of political science focused her research on highlighting the impact of foreign policies from China and the U.S. have on Nigeria.
“This book is not just for political science experts,” Ilo said. “It includes many fascinating angles and aspects of the situation, including the history of the region, as well as looking at why countries work together and how they do business in other parts of the world.”
During her examination of Nigeria’s economy, Ilo found that it had a steady rate of growth until a sudden spike during the 2001-2011 timeframe. When she looked into the reasons why, she found that much of it had to do with the international rivalry between China and the U.S. At that time, China had recently increased its involvement and investments in African countries, prompting the U.S. to do the same. Her research looks at how that interplay impacted Nigeria as well as the U.S. and China’s economies.
“I want people to see the importance of government institutions and how they play significant roles in our lives,” Ilo said. “COVID-19 proved to us all how interconnected our world has become, especially in terms of international economies and the impact of foreign policy decisions. We’re not just in isolated silos anymore, and people need to see and understand why being part of the global conversation matters.”
This is Ilo’s first book that focuses solely on her original research. She has also contributed to an anthology titled, “Africa-China-Taiwan Relations, 1949-2020 – African Governance, Development, and Leadership.” She also has published several articles and papers.
“I’m very proud of Dr. Ilo and appreciate her research on this important topic,” said Kyoko Amano, dean of the UHV College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. “Her fresh perspective on the interplay between economies and how they impact countries around the world is fascinating.”
The book can be purchased wherever books are sold, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as the publisher’s website.
The University of Houston-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973 in Victoria, Texas, offers courses leading to more than 50 academic programs in the schools of Arts & Sciences; Business Administration; and Education, Health Professions & Human Development. UHV provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as an instructional site in Katy, Texas, and online classes that students can take from anywhere. UHV supports the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Opportunities for All initiative to increase awareness about state colleges and universities and the important role they have in providing a high-quality and accessible education to an increasingly diverse student population, as well as contributing to regional and state economic development.