Graduation 2025: Shariff Hakeem
By: Communications
What journey did you take to get to UEA?
My journey to UEA started with a deep passion for education and social development in Ghana. I had spent years working in teaching and social change roles, witnessing first-hand how education has the ability to transform lives, especially in under-resourced communities.
Knowing how children and under-deprived families struggle to access education for their kids fuelled my desire to gain advanced knowledge and global perspectives, to help address systemic educational challenges back home. Since my focus was now on the skill sets that can help identify and address these challenges, I narrowed my choice to the field of development studies.
When I discovered UEA’s Education and Development programme, its strong focus on social justice and international development resonated deeply with me. Further research also revealed to me that UEA was one of the best universities in the field of development studies in the world. What nailed my journey was winning the British Council Scholarship, turning a dream into reality.
Tell us a UEA memory you’ll always treasure.
I made countless cherished memories at UEA, too many to single out just one. However, one academic experience that will forever stay with me was designing a detailed pilot project aimed at addressing special education needs in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically Nigeria.
What made it even more unforgettable was the incredible team I worked with – diverse in every sense, with members from Mexico, the UK, Japan, and Nigeria. Together, we brought different perspectives, cultures, and passions to the table, and the synergy we created was nothing short of inspiring. It reminded me of the power of collaboration and the beauty of shared purpose across borders.
What inspired you to apply for the British Council Scholarship?
I applied for the British Council Scholarship because it aligned perfectly with my vision of empowering and advancing education in underserved communities. Honestly, when I received the award, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and determination. Knowing how competitive the process was, I felt a strong sense of responsibility to make the most of the opportunity.
With education in the UK, I had always admired the UK’s reputation for academic excellence and diversity, and UEA’s hallmark in Development Studies made it the ideal place to develop the knowledge and skills to impact my community meaningfully.
What skills or insights have you gained during your time as a UEA Global Student Ambassador?
Serving as a UEA Global Student Ambassador for Ghana was an incredible experience. I gained strong cross-cultural communication skills, confidence in public engagement, and the ability to represent UEA. Connecting with prospective students and sharing my journey helped me develop as a mentor and advocate.
I also learned how to tailor information about UK study to fit diverse educational backgrounds and aspirations, which has strengthened my interpersonal and professional skills. This also provided me an opportunity to give back by helping to make international students transition easier.
What’s next for you after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to deepen my work in education and development practice by applying the knowledge and skills I gained at UEA, to drive meaningful change in the future of Global Education. I am particularly passionate about working with vulnerable children and youth, ensuring equitable access to quality education, and shaping policies that address barriers to learning.
Where is your future heading?
My future is heading towards research, advocacy, and policy development in education. I aspire to work in projects and programmes related to education and social justice issues, and eventually take up leadership roles where I can influence national and global educational systems.
Long term, I envision creating programmes and initiatives that empower the next generation, especially young boys and marginalised youth.
What will you miss about being on campus or in Norwich?
I will miss the serenity of UEA’s campus, student spaces and the Sainsbury Centre. But most of all, I’ll miss the diverse community at UEA that made every day a learning experience, both inside and outside of the classroom. With Norwich, I will miss the peaceful pace of life and the warmth of its welcoming community.
If you are looking to start university in September 2025 and still thinking about your options, consider joining a UK Top 25 university this September through Clearing.
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