Currently attending the London School of Economics and Political Science, Cheick also holds an LL.B Law degree from the University of Birmingham and an MSc in Security Studies from the University College London (UCL).

Cheick is passionate about Security and Governance, an evidence-based policymaking advocate, and enjoys debates that focus on enhancing state capacity and resilience when challenged by non-state actors in Areas of Limited Statehood. His main interests are West African Security, the transnational crime-conflict longevity nexus, and political risk.

During his academic career, he has developed quantitative and qualitative research skills producing a legal research paper assessing the effectiveness of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and a thesis on international counterterrorism in the Sahel.

Cheick grew up in Rome and attended University in the UK, as such, he is fluent in English, Italian and French and possesses basic knowledge of Spanish.