Talking Saint: Dr Ife Okafor-Yarwood
What brought you to St Andrews?
Honestly? St Andrews just felt right. It’s the kind of place where I could bring my research to life and teach in ways that challenge and inspire. The University’s commitment to research that shapes policy was a huge draw, and I love that I get to make a bit of “good trouble” with my teaching and research here. My Chi agrees, because when I came for my interview, I had a moment that stayed with me. I was walking past one of the historic ruins, looked up at the sky, and whispered to the ethers, “I will work here.” And here I am.
Where is your favourite St Andrews hotspot?
The St James Catholic Church. The smell of incense during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament always calms me and takes me straight back to my parish in Nigeria; it feels like a piece of home.
What three things would you take to a desert island?
A photo of my family, my phone (I don’t care that I can’t charge it), my husband tells me he will make one that can be glued to my hand because of how attached I am to it, and my rosary – it keeps me grounded, no matter where I am.
Do you have a favourite book, movie, TV show or podcast you’d recommend to others?
Book: Teaching to Transgress by bell hooks. It’s a powerful reminder that education is about freedom and transformation. It challenges us to teach in ways that liberate, not just inform, something I strive to embody in my own classes.
Podcast: AfriCan Geopardy. It’s my baby, but I’m proud of how it amplifies AfriCan voices and perspectives on maritime security and governance.
Name something that makes you smile, no matter what.
Looking back at how far I’ve come. Seeing dreams I once only whispered to myself becoming reality makes me fearless about the future — and it makes me smile, even on hard days.
Where is your favourite place in Scotland?
I’m still exploring, which is part of the fun! Every trip shows me a new, beautiful corner of Scotland, so my favourite place might be the next one I discover.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Build it and they will come.” It reminds me to focus on doing the work with integrity and excellence and trusting that the right people and opportunities will show up.
If you could give any advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t dim your light. Your voice and ideas matter — use them boldly, even if they make others uncomfortable.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Dame Dambisa Moyo. Her book Dead Aid completely changed the way I think about aid, power, and Africa’s future. I’d love to talk with her about how we build resilient systems — including in ocean governance — that put empowerment, not dependency, at the centre.
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