Daniel Onobi: Advancing finance for national impact

Before the Cambridge Master of Finance (MFin): why I chose Finance

Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed first-hand how access to healthcare and financial opportunities can transform lives. These experiences shaped my passion for finance and my belief that a strong financial ecosystem is key to national development.

After earning a degree in Accounting and Finance from Benue State University, I became a member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). My career has spanned multiple sectors and has been deeply rewarding, professionally, personally and in service to my country.

Beyond the corporate world, I’ve focused on social impact. I founded the Ijachi Onobi Foundation to expand opportunities for underserved communities. We’ve supported the education of over 100 disadvantaged students and are now leading an initiative to build a hospital in my rural hometown in Benue State, North Central Nigeria. This project aims to improve healthcare access and offer life-changing opportunities to families like mine, opportunities that were once out of reach.

Why the MFin, why Cambridge and why now?

My vision is to help reshape Nigeria’s finance and investment landscape, creating lasting value and empowering communities across Africa. In pursuit of this goal, I led the launch of an asset and investment management company in September 2024. The company recently received its operational license from the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission and is now ready to begin operations.

To deepen my expertise, I pursued the CFA programme, successfully completing Levels I and II and now a Level III candidate. This journey has strengthened my foundation in investment and asset management, aligning perfectly with the Cambridge Master of Finance (MFin) programme.

Cambridge offers unparalleled access to world-class faculty and a global network of finance professionals. I believe the combination of the CFA designation and the Cambridge MFin will position me to lead innovation in the sector and bring transformative ideas to life.

My thoughts on joining an international cohort

Cambridge’s legacy of excellence attracts brilliant minds from around the world. I’m excited to be part of a diverse cohort where different cultures and perspectives will enrich our learning and collaboration. I look forward to exchanging ideas, building lifelong friendships and growing through shared experiences.

What I am looking forward to

While I’m eager to dive into the MFin curriculum, I’m especially enthusiastic about the Group Consulting Projects (GCPs). I plan to focus on investment and asset management projects to sharpen my skills and accelerate my transition into the industry.

By the end of the programme, I hope to master cutting-edge finance tools, deepen my expertise, expand my professional network and build lasting global connections.

Looking ahead of the MFin

My long-term ambition is to lead the transformation of Africa’s asset and investment management landscape. I aim to contribute to governance initiatives and collaborate with regional financial and development institutions to create innovative frameworks for sustainable growth.

Ultimately, I envision using advanced financial strategies, ethical leadership and regional partnerships to drive systemic change, empowering individuals, strengthening institutions and unlocking Africa’s full economic potential.