School of Social and Political Science

Content

What made you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh?

I understand the University of Edinburgh is one of the best schools globally, and having been born and raised in the slum in Nigeria I know studying here would mean a lot to me and other young people in my country who have had similar circumstances as mine.

I read about the Centre of African studies at the University of Edinburgh and saw the Mastercard Scholarship opportunity to study Africa and International Development. There was no just better moment than now to build regional expertise and advance my career as a Pan-African and change-maker working through the lens of social justice. 

The Mastercard Scholarship at the University made my dream come true.

continue reading..

I have been an active volunteer since I was 14 years, volunteering for social causes such as HIV/AIDs and educational projects. I also started a non-profit to help children in rural communities develop life and 21st-century skills and access the education, skills, and opportunities to change their inherited circumstances.

My experience working with a global non-profit, Peace First, and supporting youth-led social innovation and change in Sub-Saharan Africa consolidated my efforts to develop core research skills and expertise.

Find out more about Scholarships

What are your highlights from your time here?

My greatest highlight was winning the Ufahamu Africa student essay contest and I dedicate this to my tutor Dr Rama Dieng who constantly share opportunities with us.

I enjoyed the one-on-one coaching during office hours and the push to do more. When Dr Dieng tagged me on Twitter to apply for the student essay contest I thought it would be an opportunity to lend my voice to something. 

We were asked to write about reflecting on Life and Politics in Africa, and I decided to write about the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria. #EndSARS is a movement started by young people in Nigeria to end police brutality. 

Drawing from lessons, theories, and concepts from the courses I took in Africa and International Development, I was able to document young people's experiences during the movement and historicize movement building and revolution. 

It was a great time to be a student and contribute to a movement. I came top in the essay contest and featured in a podcast where think tanks and professors such as Wole Soyinka have been featured. I dedicate this to my coursemates, lecturers in the Centre of African studies and Dr Dieng for tagging me and for the push.

Find out more about the Centre of African studies

How have you enjoyed your programme?

I love the experiences that my course mates share in classes and have allowed me to see things more from other people’s perspective. I think I enjoyed the programme because of the critical analysis of contemporary issues on the continent (Africa) and in-depth reading and research. I have learned not to see things from the face value but to question them.

I also had a great time sharing with lecturers during their office hours. The freedom to share your thoughts is something that I admire.

Find out more about MSc Africa and International Development

Aims after University

I hope to continue to deepen the work I do to help young people in Sub-Saharan Africa access opportunities. I am also looking forward to contributing to continental policy development and ensuring young people are at the forefront of creating and leading that change. I would not be surprised if I found myself working with a development agency doing some real continental work. I have been learning a lot about policy analysis and development.

I am currently interning with the Mastercard Foundation on promoting access to higher education for refugees in Uganda and volunteering with Solidaritee to ensure refugees have access to legal aid service in Europe.

I believe these experiences would prepare me for the next phase of my career. Hopefully, in the coming years, I will pursue a PhD.

What would you say to your past self before starting the course?

I thought I knew about development and Africa, but the course allowed me to question my bias for development and question my prejudice about the region. I wasn’t self-aware enough before starting the course, but I think I understand my role and position better now as a pan-African.

I would say to my past self to be open, to question things and to seek knowledge. 

To keep asking how I know what I know, why does someone say what they say. Why do I even say what I say?

(Written in 2021)