MSc Mathematical Sciences Graduate Toyeeb Olamilekan Abubakar from Nigeria Shares His Journey of Studying at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), South Africa, as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar

Hello, I’m Toyeeb Olamilekan Abubakar from Nigeria. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics from the University of Ilorin in 2023, and I later attained a master’s degree in mathematical sciences at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), South Africa, affiliated with the University of Cape Town in 2025. I chose to continue in this field because of my strong interest in predictive modeling, and this interest grew from my passion for problem-solving and from my belief that even with modern AI systems, strong manual and theoretical problem-solving skills remain essential.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Details

I was awarded the prestigious Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, funded through the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), South Africa. The scholarship fully covered tuition, accommodation, meals, medical insurance, research expenses, and provided a monthly living stipend throughout the programme.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Yes, I was offered a partial funding scholarship to study M.Sc. Computing and Data Science at Boston University in the US.

Educational Background

My undergraduate journey in Statistics at the University of Ilorin, where I graduated with a CGPA of 4.31 out of 5.0, built my academic foundation and shaped my interest in data-driven problem-solving. Following this, I recently completed my master’s degree in Mathematical Sciences at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, where I graduated with distinction.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to AIMS?

I began by identifying institutions that are strong in my field and research interests, then carefully reviewed faculty research areas, program structures, and funding opportunities. I made sure each application matched both my background and my long-term academic goals.

How Did You Find Information About the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship and the AIMS?

First and best of all was LinkedIn. Also, I gathered information from official university websites, scholarship WhatsApp groups, faculty pages, academic mailing lists, and scholarship databases. I also reached out to current students and reviewed departmental research outputs to better understand each program.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship?

I prepared early by noting down and organizing all required documents, tailoring each personal statement to the specific program. Also, I highlight measurable academic, leadership, and teaching experiences that can better improve my application and give me the upper hand; I also secured strong recommendation letters and revised my essays multiple times using feedback from mentors.

How Is (Was) Your Experience at AIMS?

My experience at AIMS was intense, stretching, and ultimately life-changing for me. The academic environment was very diverse and strongly research-focused, and the workload was deliberately heavy to push us beyond our comfort zones. When I first arrived, moving into an international and fast-paced academic system was not easy for me, and I honestly felt overwhelmed in the early weeks. What helped me adjust was a lesson I learned from my first international class in Mathematical Problem Solving, which taught me that when a problem looks like one hundred tasks at once, you should treat it like just one, solve it properly, then move to the next using the same approach.

I applied that mindset to my coursework and daily schedule, handling tasks one at a time instead of panicking about the total volume. I was also intentional about the kind of friends I kept, surrounding myself with people who were focused and goal-driven, because that helped my discipline. At the same time, I kept a personal mindset that if others could succeed, then I could succeed, and even if others struggled, I would still push through. With time, I adapted to the system, made good use of the wide research network and access to supervisors, and eventually completed my degree with distinction.

How Do You Rate AIMS Academically and Why?

Academically, I rate the institution very highly because of its rigorous curriculum, global research collaborations, and strong mentorship structure.

How Does AIMS Support International Students?

The institution supports international students through orientation programs, mentoring, academic advising, language support, and travel assistance.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English? 

All classes are conducted in English. Some students initially experienced language difficulty, but structured English support classes were provided to improve reading, writing, and speaking skills.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

What made my application stand out was that I did not present my research interest in a vague or general way. I clearly stated that I wanted to focus on predictive modeling and time series analysis, explained why that area matters to me, and connected it directly to the kind of training and research strength the institution is known for. I showed that I understood what the program offers and how it fits into my long-term academic direction, rather than sending a generic statement.

I also supported this with evidence from my academic record, including a strong GPA and specific coursework and projects related to my intended field. Beyond grades, I highlighted my teaching and tutoring experience, where I worked closely with students and handled technical subjects, to show both subject mastery and communication ability. I included my student resource initiative, where I created a shared academic drive and organized tutorials around it, and I pointed to the measurable improvement in student outcomes that followed. During the interview, I answered questions directly, used examples from my real experience, and explained my decisions and motivations step by step, which helped present me as prepared, focused, and intentional rather than rehearsed.

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

My advice for anyone planning to apply is to start early and treat the process as a serious project, not a last-minute task. By starting early, I mean gathering your transcripts, recommendation letters, CV, and test requirements months ahead, and tracking deadlines on a calendar so nothing is rushed. When researching programs, go beyond the school name and actually read about the faculty, research areas, course structure, and funding options so you only apply where your interests truly fit.

Tailor every application instead of reusing the same statement everywhere. Adjust your motivation letter and research statement to show clearly why that specific program matches your goals. Present measurable achievements, not just claims. For example, state your GPA, rankings, projects, teaching impact, or initiatives you led and the results they produced. Secure strong references by choosing referees who know your work closely and can give detailed, evidence-based recommendations, then give them enough time and supporting materials to write well.

Revise your statements multiple times and let mentors or experienced colleagues review them. Apply broadly to multiple scholarships and institutions instead of putting all your hope in one option. Keep a positive mindset, but combine it with continuous improvement after each rejection by adjusting your documents and strategy. Be open to learning new requirements and new systems, and be ready to challenge yourself academically and personally throughout the process.