“A Teacher Is a Mentor, Coach and Motivator”: Economist Tijani Alhassan on Working at Moscow Polytech

Moscow Polytech employs a lecturer from the Republic of Ghana who chose Russia to study the Russian language and pursue professional development opportunities. In this interview, Tijani Forgo Alhassan, PhD in Economics, spoke about his journey into Russian academia, his approach to communication with students, and his personal life motto.

Tijani, why did you decide to move to Russia?

— After finishing school, I applied to one of the universities in Ghana. However, I found out that French would be one of the compulsory subjects. I understood that this could negatively affect my academic performance and final academic results. Later, I had an opportunity to study in Russia on a scholarship, and I decided to take this chance. Here, I was able to freely study the Russian language and improve my language skills.

What subjects do you teach at Moscow Polytech?

— I hold a PhD in Economics and defended my dissertation in the fields of World Economy and Finance, Monetary Circulation and Credit. Currently, at Moscow Polytechnic University I teach such disciplines as Economics, Finance, Monetary Circulation and Credit, Institutional Economics, Financial Analysis, Economics of Industrial Markets, Financial Literacy, World Economy, and others.

Why did you choose this particular field?

— My interest in economics began back in school. I always wanted to understand why some countries develop faster than others and why a significant part of the world’s population continues to live in conditions of extreme poverty. It was the desire to study economic development processes more deeply and search for solutions to social and economic problems that led me to this field.

Are you a strict teacher?

— I consider myself more of a liberal teacher. In my opinion, a teacher is not only a person who transfers knowledge, but also a mentor, coach and motivator. It is very important to build trusting relationships with students so that they are not afraid to ask questions, are eager to learn, and truly come to enjoy the subject.

How do you build communication with students?

— In communication with students, I try to maintain mutual respect, openness and discipline. It is important for me that students feel supported while also understanding their responsibility for their studies and future.

What advice would you give to international students who are planning to move to Russia?

— My advice to international students is this: remember that every person’s destiny is in their own hands. You should take your studies seriously because education is the reason you come to another country. It is also very important to comply with the laws of the Russian Federation, follow the university’s internal regulations, and treat all people with respect without exception.

Do you have a life motto?

— My life motto is: “Do not do to others what you would not want done to yourself.”