Chinenye Anetekhai
Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery
Tell us about your career journey
My career has been shaped by a passion for nursing, education, leadership and improving outcomes for patients, students and healthcare professionals. I began as a registered nurse and midwife in Nigeria, working across orthopaedic, burns, plastic surgery and wound care services. These experiences sparked my interest in specialist burn care, clinical excellence and workforce development, which ultimately led me into academia.
In 2016, I joined the University of Nigeria Nsukka, combining teaching, research, curriculum development and student supervision while remaining engaged in clinical practice and professional education. After moving to the UK, I worked at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospital before joining Birmingham City University, where I progressed from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer and now Academic Lead for Student Experience and Employability. My work focuses on student success, retention, progression and employability, with a strong emphasis on inclusive learning environments.
Alongside my academic leadership, I have developed an international profile in burn care and nursing leadership. As Chair of the Nursing Committee for the International Society for Burn Injuries (ISBI), I provide strategic leadership for burn nursing education, research, mentorship and policy development, working with colleagues worldwide to strengthen nursing leadership and improve outcomes for burn survivors. I also lead international webinars, podcasts and mentoring programmes and am the founder and CEO of COA-CONE, a charity delivering burn awareness, education and support in Nigeria.
What areas of research are you particularly interested in?
My research focuses on improving healthcare outcomes, nursing education and workforce development. I have particular interests in burn care, wound management, palliative care and addressing the theory-practice gap in nursing, with a focus on translating evidence into practice.
More recently, my work has expanded to student experience, attainment, retention, progression and employability in Higher Education (HE). I am especially interested in how universities can create inclusive environments that support students from diverse backgrounds to succeed. As a doctoral supervisor and academic leader, I am committed to research that informs educational practice, strengthens professional development and promotes equitable outcomes.
What challenges have you faced in academia?
One of the greatest challenges I have faced has been navigating systems where opportunities and progression have not always been equally accessible. As a Black woman and international academic, I have often had to build networks, create opportunities and advocate for myself in environments with few visible role models and limited informal support structures.
I have encountered structural barriers that can affect access to leadership opportunities, visibility and career progression. At times, I have needed to work harder to demonstrate credibility, secure opportunities and gain recognition while balancing teaching, research, leadership and professional service responsibilities.
Rather than discouraging me, these experiences strengthened my determination to advocate for equity and inclusion in HE. They reinforced my belief that universities must move beyond representation and address the structural factors that influence progression and success. I am passionate about creating environments where individuals from all backgrounds have the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
What are your hopes and aspirations for completing the programme?
The programme will help strengthen my profile as an educator, researcher and leader, supporting my progression towards becoming a Professor of Nursing. I hope to use the networks, insights and opportunities it provides to expand my research, increase the impact of my work and contribute to shaping policy, practice and education.
I am also committed to supporting others through mentorship and sponsorship. Having benefited from people who invested in my development, I am passionate about helping students, early-career academics and healthcare professionals realise their potential and progress into leadership roles.
As Chair of the ISBI Nursing Committee, I hope to use the knowledge and connections gained through the programme to further advance international burn nursing leadership and support the development of a Global Standard for Burn Nursing aligned with the vision of One Burn: One Standard of Care.
Ultimately, my goal is to influence practice, advance research and mentor the next generation of healthcare leaders. Success for me is not simply personal achievement, but creating a lasting legacy through leadership, education and mentorship that improves outcomes for patients, students and communities worldwide.