Abo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.

Dear Sir/Ma, PERSONAL STATEMENT My name is Muhammed Aliu Babatunde, a graduate of Public Administration, Lagos State University, Nigeria. I am currently a masters student of Intercultural Studies in Communication and Administration at the University of Vaasa, Finland, and do wish to commence my second masters degree in Peace Mediation and Conflict Research for the academic session starting in August 2012 in your institution. After a thorough search of available schools and their profiles, I realized that Abo Akademi University is one of the famous universities in Finland and among the top institutions in the world. It is an institution whose profile has revealed its high reputation and prestige that make her stand out amidst her colleagues. My desire is to be given the opportunity to achieve my dream of being an alumnus of Abo Akademi University. The Universitys reputation in producing a world class solution in a research area that impacts positively to the society at large is of great interest to me. I believe the opportunity will make me a reliable and efficient researcher. Since no nation of the world can exist in isolation and the new trend of world globalization is fast catching up on all countries of the world, hence my desire to study peace and conflict research in your reputable institution in order to be able to proffer solutions to world problems. My interest is to research on causes of conflicts and how to go about peaceful resolution around the world, towards the improvement of life of the people of Finland, Nigeria and the world at large. My keen interest is borne out of the conviction that Abo Akademi University provides a suitable environment where I can develop the required competence to further my pursuit in this area of research. I wish to take the program on a full-time basis to enable me to have full concentration and acquire the necessary know-how of peace and conflict resolution. My experience as an active member of my departmental association during my undergraduate days will also prove to be advantage in my proposed study. I was a member of the professional committee that organizes seminars and symposia to enlighten the entire student of the department about the new trends of developments in the world. This academic and intellectual prowess was appreciated and rewarded by a certificate of appreciation by the association. Moreover, having worked as an administrative manager after my first degree which I was exposed me to many challenges of decision making in organization, I hope this will be of benefit to me in my proposed program. Moreover, my keen interest in conflict resolution made me to took some online courses and certifications from United States Institute for Peace. The courses were really interesting and educative. This serve as an eye opener and prepare me for the masters program. My mission statement is to achieve a world class solution and the highest potential impact through operational excellence in the field of peace keeping. And as a student from a developing country my knowledge will avail me the opportunity of contributing positively to the development of my country, Nigeria in particular and the world in general. In conclusion, my purpose of study is to be a well trained professional in this area of specialization (Peace, Mediation and Conflict Research) so as to be of benefit to humanity.

Sincerely, Muhammed Aliu Babatunde.