Lighting the Way: Experience Efeosa Akhigbe’s Journey to University of Chicago Booth School of Business and how that journey is shaping his passion for Energy Finance
For many, admission into one of the world’s top business schools is the culmination of professional ambition. For Experience Efeosa Akhigbe, gaining admission to the University of Chicago Booth School of Business is not just a career milestone—it is the next step in his mission to reshape energy finance and sustainability across the globe.
Growing up in Nigeria, Akhigbe experienced firsthand the devastating impact of energy poverty. In a household of nine, power outages were a daily reality, limiting access to education, business opportunities, and overall quality of life. Yet, instead of seeing energy scarcity as an obstacle, he saw it as a challenge to be solved. “I know what it means to have your future shaped by whether or not the lights stay on,” he reflects. “That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to ensuring that businesses and households, especially in underserved communities, have reliable and sustainable energy access.”
His academic journey was defined by an insatiable curiosity and a drive for excellence. From his early studies, he developed a strong analytical mindset and a deep understanding of economic systems, equipping him with the skills to tackle complex financial problems. Knowing that finance and energy were inextricably linked, he sought to develop a strong foundation in accounting and financial principles.
He earned qualifications from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Associate Accounting Technicians of West Africa, equipping himself with the expertise to navigate the financial nuances of the energy sector. However, he soon realized that technical accounting knowledge alone wasn’t enough to drive large-scale energy investment.
To broaden his financial acumen and gain a holistic understanding of capital markets and investment strategies, he embarked on the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) examination journey—a testament to his commitment to mastering the complexities of global finance.
Determined to bridge this gap, Akhigbe transitioned into the consulting world, where he immersed himself in structuring transformational energy projects. Working alongside top professionals, he gained exposure to renewable energy financing, strategic investments, and market-shaping transactions.
Through his work, he contributed to developing innovative financing models that made it easier for renewable energy projects to attract capital, turning theoretical solutions into practical, scalable initiatives.
Despite these successes, Akhigbe knew he needed a broader platform and stronger financial acumen to make a lasting impact. This realization led him to Chicago Booth—a business school known for its rigorous approach to finance, data-driven decision-making, and impact-driven leadership. “The future of energy isn’t just about innovation—it’s about investment,” Akhigbe explains. “Without the right financial structures, even the most groundbreaking renewable projects will struggle to reach the communities that need them most.” At UChicago Booth, Akhigbe will deepen his expertise in strategic finance, investment management, and energy markets, leveraging the school’s world-class faculty and resources, such as the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC).
He is particularly drawn to Booth’s flexible curriculum and global network, which will allow him to refine innovative financing models that support energy infrastructure development in emerging markets. But beyond the classroom, UChicago Booth offers something even more valuable—a community of thinkers, problem-solvers, and change-makers. The school’s reputation for challenging conventional wisdom and encouraging bold ideas aligns perfectly with Akhigbe’s vision for energy finance. “I want to be part of a generation of leaders who aren’t just reacting to the energy crisis—we’re designing the solutions,” he says. With UChicago Booth as his launchpad, Akhigbe envisions a future where sustainable energy investments are not just viable but inevitable.
His goal is to work at the nexus of finance, policy, and sustainability, ensuring that capital flows into energy projects that power economies while protecting the planet. His journey—from navigating energy poverty to engineering large-scale renewable investments—is one of resilience, strategy, and vision. Now, with the backing of a UChicago Booth education, Akhigbe is poised to transform energy finance and lead the charge toward a more sustainable, equitable future.