Faculty of Education and You: Perpetua Peter-Ogu

PERPETUA PETER-OGU, AN EDUCATOR, SPEAKER and COACH.

Year Graduated: 2026

Program: MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Post-Secondary

In Nigeria, Perpetua Peter-Ogu studied Biochemistry and Microbiology, eventually accumulating more than ten years of experience teaching at a Federal Polytechnic. After moving to Canada and working with several non-profit organizations, she still felt drawn to deepening her growth as an educator and returning to teaching at the post-secondary level. 

When she discovered the MEd in Curriculum & Instruction: Post-Secondary program, she knew it was the perfect pathway to reaching her goals as it aligned with her background and passion for learning design. 

“I came across an information session about the program and the focus on curriculum and instruction immediately caught my attention. It was the perfect pathway for reaching my goal to continue growing as an educator and to eventually pursue a PhD in Education.”

Perpetua was able to connect her passion for teaching with a broader purpose of “assisting others to learn in ways that truly transform their lives” through collaboration, innovation and critical thinking in curriculum design.

“The program motivated me to think more deeply about how to make learning accessible and relevant for diverse learners. I’ve always believed that education should empower people — not just transfer knowledge.”

“One of the biggest highlights for me was how our class brought together people from such diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. Everyone brought a different perspective and interpretation based on their own experiences and fields.”

“It was powerful to see the same concepts taking on a variety of meanings in different contexts. The discussions in class helped me see education in a much broader and inclusive light—reminding me of the value that diversity holds in the learning process.”

Moving forward from the MEd program, Perpetua was motivated to pursue her aspiration of entering a PhD program due to the strong support and encouragement she received from her professors, including Dr. Natalia Gajdamaschko. The essence of the SFU faculty reinforced her value of persistence and mentorship. 

“In many ways, my experience at SFU’s Faculty of Education was exactly what I needed to align my professional plans with my long-term dream of contributing to higher education as both a teacher and a researcher.”

“The support I received from faculty members was incredible. They recognized my potential, encouraged my academic growth and challenged me to connect theory with practice, to think critically about inclusion and diversity, and to design learning experiences that truly make an impact.”

One of the most meaningful lessons Perpetua carried into her counselling role at WorkBC was the understanding that learning is a shared process. This perspective deepened her use of collaboration and learner-centred practices in supporting both clients and students.

“I used the same principles I learned in the program—working with clients rather than for them. Instead of simply setting goals for them, I focused on helping them identify their own strengths, explore possibilities, and co-create realistic employment goals.”

“What I appreciated about the program was how we were encouraged to question traditional approaches to teaching and curriculum design. It prompted us to consider equity, cultural responsiveness, and how learning can be made more meaningful and accessible to all students.”

“Through the combination of research, collaboration, and practical application in the program, I feel prepared to respond to the evolving demands of the educational community—whether that involves integrating technology, designing inclusive curricula, or engaging learners in critical reflection.”

“I advise any new students in the Faculty of Education to embrace the diversity of your classmates and the perspectives they bring. When you engage with them, listen actively, and collaborate openly, you will deepen your learning far beyond the textbooks.”