Business Student, Saifullahi Wants to Improve Education and Health Outreach in Rural Nigeria 

Saifullahi S., a Nigerian from Funtua, Katsina State, is currently earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at University of the People. Before enrolling at UoPeople, he earned a Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) in Geography and Economics in 2017. “After completing my NCE, I was eager to earn a college degree. Unfortunately, life had different plans. I started working as a teacher at Maslaha International Secondary School. This job helped me gain experience, but my salary wasn’t enough to support my dreams. In 2019, I lost my father. His death was a major turning point in my life. As the eldest male child of the family, I had to take on the responsibility of supporting my mother and younger siblings,” he shares.  

Keeping his circumstances and financial needs in mind, Saifullahi then started a small business selling cosmetic products and garments. Even though he tried his best to make it a success, the business didn’t last more than a year due to the pressure of family needs exceeding the income he could generate. “After the business collapsed, I returned to teaching, this time at Funtua Capital School. It was difficult, but I never gave up. In 2023, I got employed by a non-governmental organization called New Incentives, where I work as a Field Officer helping caregivers bring their infants for immunization through conditional cash transfers.”   

How did Saifullahi find out about UoPeople? “I didn’t have the money to earn a college degree, but I desperately wanted one. I started applying for scholarships through various platforms. Finally, in 2024, I enrolled at UoPeople. I found it to be the only university that truly breaks down financial and geographical barriers. The flexibility and affordability made it a perfect fit for someone in my situation—working full-time and managing family responsibilities. The admission process was smooth and very supportive.”  

Looking ahead, Saifullahi aims to earn a master’s degree in business administration. His dream is to become a leader in development work and to establish a sustainable community-based organization focused on education and health outreach in rural Nigeria. 

Outside of work and study, he enjoys spending time with his family and helping his younger siblings with their schoolwork. He also loves reading and reflecting on self-improvement and leadership skills. 

Saifullahi acknowledges that balancing work, study, and family simultaneously is no easy feat. “My faith, discipline, and support from UoPeople staff and instructors help me stay on the right path,” he says with a bright smile on his face.  

We are proud of students like Saifullahi who believe in chasing their big dreams. As a university, UoPeople is on a mission to support learners like him from around the world. We wish him all the best for his future.