Faculty: Land and Food Systems
Program: Master of Food and Resource Economics
Year: 2024
Country: Nigeria
Muhammad is a determined and goal-oriented individual who envisions the future as a beehive of innovation, buzzing with the vibrant exchange of sustainable ideas among young change-makers. As a first-generation student, Muhammad faced significant financial challenges in pursuing his university education. Despite the difficulties, he graduated with First Class Honours in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ilorin, one of Nigeria’s top institutions, and received the Senate award for graduating as the best student in his cohort. His deep-rooted interest in rural development, shaped by the realities of his upbringing, and his passion for evidence-based policymaking led him to explore research on poverty, food insecurity, and rural livelihoods. He aims to produce research outcomes that would inform development interventions to address the challenges faced by rural communities in Nigeria.
During his undergraduate studies, Muhammad was committed to leading impactful initiatives. He co-founded the “E-classroom community,” a platform dedicated to providing academic support and mentorship to students, particularly those struggling with their grades. As the faculty coordinator of the Dareword Student Association (DSA), a student-led initiative, he organized academic workshops, seminars, and peer tutoring sessions, for students who face difficulties in their studies. He also served as a youth ambassador for FarmDelite, a social enterprise promoting youth participation in agriculture, where he helped five students secure grants to support their agribusiness ventures. Muhammad’s career goal is to become a policy advisor, advocating for sustainable economic development at national and global levels. He is particularly excited about joining UBC, believing that pursuing the MFRE program is a crucial step toward achieving his future aspirations.