Improve Accountability
Assistant Professor Philippe Lassou has made it his life's work to seek ways to alleviate poverty in developing countries.
Born in poverty on a small farm in Benin, Philippe Lassou made a promise to himself to make a better life and find a way to help others. He left home at a young age to pursue an education, and has made it his life’s work to seek ways of alleviating poverty in developing countries.
Improving Life through Research
People tend to look at poverty and development issues in developing countries as resource based. For Philippe, it’s not about how much resources are available but how those resources are allocated and used. His research focuses on accountability and resource management in developing countries in an effort to ensure that dollars reach those most in need.
“When you want change, you have to be part of the change. And, sometimes, you have to be the one to initiate that change.”
Improving Life
- Decided to join the U of G because of their commitment to Improve Life.
- Born in Benin on a farm, he promised himself that he would live a different life and make a difference.
- Made it his life's work to seek ways of alleviating poverty in developing countries.
Education and Experience
- Assistant Professor at U of G since 2016.
- PhD in accounting and governance from the University of Birmingham (UK).
- Previously worked in the banking sector as a financial analyst and in the non-financial sector as a finance manager.
Funding and Awards
- SSHRC Insight Development Grant, $57,498 (2018/19)
- China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) US$5,000 for a study on financial governance within youth employment initiatives (2017).
- SSHRC SIG $4,000 for a study on supreme audit institutions in Francophone Africa: The case of Benin (2017)
- Outstanding contributions to the PhD program award (University of Birmingham, UK, 2011).