Muhammad Adeiza Bello’s Journey as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar
Mastercard Foundation Scholar (Muhammad Bello) at the University of British Columbia, Class of 2025.
For Muhammad, education has always represented more than academic achievement; it has been a lifeline. Growing up in a family where his parents did not have the opportunity to pursue formal education, the path to university was uncertain and often fragile. Financial instability nearly kept him from enrolling, and at several points during his undergraduate studies, remaining in school felt like an uphill battle.
“Some days, when I sit down to reflect on my journey to date, I’m filled with mixed feelings: the wins, the losses, the sacrifices,” he says. “Who knows where I would be today if I hadn’t had that opportunity?”
That opportunity came through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. With its support, Muhammad not only completed his studies but also became the first in his family to earn a master’s degree. This is a milestone he describes with deep gratitude. “First and foremost, I would like to thank God, my family, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. It’s only proper that I begin with that acknowledgment.”
His lived experiences shaped both his academic interests and his sense of purpose. Driven by a desire to address inequality at its roots, Muhammad focused his research on rural economic development, poverty, food insecurity, and rural livelihoods. He wanted his work to do more than exist on paper; it needed to contribute to real-world solutions for marginalized communities.
That motivation came to life during his master’s degree graduating project, where he consulted as a program analyst with CityReach Care Society, a Vancouver-based non-profit engaged in food rescue. Through his work, he showcased the social and economic value of the organization’s Food for Families program. This is evidence that strengthened advocacy efforts and supported long-term sustainability. It was a defining example of how policy, research, and community impact can intersect.
Before beginning his MFRE program in 2024, Muhammad had already articulated a clear vision for his future. In his Mastercard Foundation profile, he wrote that his goal was to become a policy advisor advocating for sustainable economic development at national and global levels. Looking back, he is amazed by how quickly that aspiration became reality. Today, he works as a Policy Advisor with the Government of Alberta, supporting intergovernmental coordination on economic corridors and transportation priorities. In this role, he contributes to shaping national infrastructure strategies and jurisdictional frameworks that strengthen trade, market access, and investment competitiveness for the province.
Life after graduation, though still new, reflects years of intentional preparation. Rather than waiting for the “right time,” Muhammad began applying for opportunities from the very first month of his graduate program.
“It wasn’t because I urgently needed a job,” he explains, “but because I wanted to learn the process.”
Through early applications and interviews, he refined his communication skills, strengthened his application materials, and grew more confident navigating professional spaces. Along the way, he learned an essential lesson: success is not an individual pursuit. Mentorship played a defining role in his journey, particularly guidance from a senior colleague whose path closely mirrored his own, from undergraduate studies and scholarship support to graduate education and public service. This shared experience created a foundation of trust and understanding. His mentor provided practical guidance on tailoring applications, preparing for interviews, and positioning experience effectively, while also offering encouragement during moments of self-doubt.
“Sometimes, all you need is someone who believes in you,” Muhammad reflects. “Someone who reminds you that you can do it and that they’re proud of you.”
Beyond mentorship, he embraced community learning, using professional forums and online platforms to seek advice, share experiences, and learn from others navigating similar challenges. At the same time, he emphasizes the importance of personal ownership.
“Mentorship matters,” he says, “but you still have to take initiative and responsibility for your own journey.”
As he looks ahead, giving back remains central to his vision. Having come close to missing out on higher education due to financial barriers, Muhammad feels a strong responsibility to support others facing similar circumstances. His long-term goal is simple yet powerful: to create meaningful opportunities for talented individuals who might otherwise be left behind. “Even if it’s just one person a year,” he says, “the scale doesn’t matter. What matters is impact.”
For current Mastercard Foundation Scholars, his advice is grounded in experience: start early. Apply for opportunities before the pressure is high. Learn from rejection. Build confidence quietly and consistently. “These steps,” he notes, “prepare you for success when the right opportunity comes.” Some opportunities you can look out for, 2026 summer internship with Government of Saskatchewan and Government of Alberta
From a young person nearly denied access to education to a policy advisor shaping economic futures, Muhammad’s story is a testament to what becomes possible when talent meets opportunity. It reflects the transformative power of education and the enduring responsibility to extend that transformation to others.
