Chevening Scholarship Recipient, Hamza Waziri, Shares the Story of How He Applied for the Fully Funded Award to Pursue His Master’s in Development Studies at the University of Sussex

My name is Hamza Waziri, and I am from Nigeria. I'm a person with a disability and use a wheelchair for my mobility. My professional background encompasses human resources, business, and organizational development. I hold a B.Sc. in Business Administration from INTI International University, Malaysia.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I am a recipient of a Chevening Scholarship, an award funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It's a prestigious global scholarship, and I pursued my studies at the University of Sussex. The fully funded program covered tuition fees, accommodation, and monthly stipends, amounting to nearly £50,000 in support.

Educational Background

I hold a B.Sc. in Business Administration, graduating with a Second Class (Lower Division, 2:2). While my undergraduate studies focused on business, I later pursued a Master’s in Development Studies, which aligns more closely with the work I have been doing in the non-governmental sector. My professional and advocacy experience centers on addressing social issues, creating job opportunities, promoting inclusive education for people with disabilities, and driving community-based solutions through NGOs.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Sussex?

I was introduced to the University of Sussex by my mentor, who is an alumnus of the institution. I was particularly drawn to the QS World Ranking, where the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) has consistently been ranked first globally for seven consecutive years in Development Studies, the very course I aspired to pursue. Coming from an English-speaking country, I was able to use my A-level WAEC certificate to waive the English language proficiency requirement.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Chevening Scholarship?

I applied for the Chevening Scholarship five times between 2017 and 2022, a journey that taught me resilience and the value of preparation. My first attempt in 2017 began with a workshop organized to guide persons with disabilities, but I started the application late and was unable to submit. In the following years, I continued to apply but was not successful. Everything changed when I found a mentor, an alumna of Chevening and the  University of Sussex, who played a pivotal role in my success. After drafting my personal statement, she carefully reviewed it and provided valuable feedback. Later, when I was shortlisted for an interview, she organized a mock interview that gave me the confidence and clarity I needed to perform strongly.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

 What made my application stand out was my ability to clearly articulate my leadership skills and experiences, which helped compensate for my Second Class degree. I provided detailed examples of the work I had done and the projects I was leading, demonstrating both impact and continuity in my career path. I also showed my genuine passion for studying at the University of Sussex by referencing a project one of the professors was undertaking in Nigeria, and how pursuing a Master’s in Development Studies would enable me to expand and enhance my current work while fostering future collaborations. Most importantly, I was able to connect all of this to my personal life experiences, making my application both authentic and compelling.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

With the experience I have now, I would definitely start preparing my Statement of Purpose (SOP) early and reach out to as many potential mentors as possible to help review my essays. I’ve come to understand how important mentorship and feedback are in strengthening an application. One key insight is that the Chevening essay format never changes it consistently focuses on leadership, career development, and studying in the UK (which includes explaining your chosen course and university). Recognizing this structure early on makes it much easier to organize your thoughts and craft a strong application.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

To strengthen your application, focus on building a strong CV through volunteering and impactful experiences. Seek out a mentor who can provide guidance and review your essays, as their feedback can be invaluable. Finally, invest time in preparing thoroughly for your interview, practicing responses, and anticipating questions so you can confidently showcase your skills and experiences.