Breaking Barriers: The Story Behind EduFurther Mentorship Platform
Rokeebat Hammed embodies the spirit of academic generosity. Throughout her educational journey, she consistently shared notes, distributed study strategies, and naturally evolved into an unofficial tutor for countless classmates. During secondary school, peers depended on her guidance to pass challenging courses.
Her commitment to academic mentorship continued during Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), where the government assigns young graduates to serve their country. Posted to a university, Hammed immediately embraced her calling as an academic mentor, conducting webinars, coaching students through examinations, and providing guidance whenever needed.
“Academic community service flows naturally through my veins,” she reflects.
The UK Experience: A Catalyst for Change
Hammed’s vision for Levelling Up Education in Africa crystallized when she relocated thousands of kilometers to the United Kingdom to pursue her master’s degree. While completing her economics program at the University of York, she conducted campus tours and shared her experiences with prospective students, finding immense satisfaction in helping others achieve their academic dreams.
“Education demolishes barriers and overcomes background limitations. It unlocks opportunities and expands your vision beyond perceived limitations,” explains Hammed, who currently serves as an assistant economist for the UK government. “Everyone deserves access to these opportunities. I gladly hold the door open for others because it brings me tremendous joy.”
Stark Educational System Contrasts: Nigeria vs. UK
Hammed’s international experience revealed dramatic differences between Nigerian and UK educational systems, fueling her passion for Levelling Up Education in Africa.
Technology Infrastructure Gaps
“Nigerian universities don’t record lectures. Once class ends, the content disappears,” Hammed explains.
Conversely, UK lecture recordings became her academic lifeline. “Recorded lectures allowed me to revisit content, rewatch complex topics, and create comprehensive notes. This significantly enhanced my learning experience,” she notes.
The technology divide extends far beyond lecture recordings. Nigerian universities lack the educational technology infrastructure that UK students consider standard, highlighting broader infrastructural challenges across African education systems.
Time Management and Respect
Another significant difference involves respect for student time. “UK institutions demonstrate greater respect for student schedules compared to my home country,” Hammed observes. In Nigeria, cancelled classes occur routinely due to lecturer delays caused by traffic or other disruptions.
“While these delays may be unavoidable, they reflect broader systemic challenges,” Hammed acknowledges.
Financial Accessibility and Support Systems
Nigerian higher education traditionally operates on a pay-to-study model. However, the UK system introduced Hammed to student loan alternatives that enable every high school graduate to pursue university education.
“Nigeria’s government recently launched a loan initiative, which represents progress. However, when I arrived in the UK, no such support existed. Students without tuition money either dropped out or missed semesters,” Hammed recalls.
Career support services present another stark contrast. UK universities maintain dedicated careers and placement departments, while African institutions often lack these resources—a gap that inspired her co-founding of the EduFurther Mentorship Platform.
“African educational systems underutilize education’s potential and limit student vision regarding academic possibilities. I’m committed to changing this reality,” she declares.
EduFurther: Revolutionizing African Education Through Mentorship
The Genesis of Change
The EduFurther Mentorship Platform addresses a critical question that emerged during Hammed’s NYSC experience: What if African students accessed dedicated mentors? Individuals who successfully navigated global academic and career systems?
This innovative platform connects African students with mentors sharing similar backgrounds who have successfully navigated international academic and professional environments, directly contributing to Levelling Up Education in Africa.
“We eliminate barriers to global opportunities through mentorship, resources, and community building,” Hammed explains.
Platform Launch and Early Success Stories
Founded in 2024 with full operations beginning in 2025, the EduFurther Mentorship Platform has already generated remarkable success stories among its scholars.
Recent achievements include:
- One scholar studying in Saudi Arabia on a complete scholarship
- Another scholar beginning studies at the University of Bristol through the Commonwealth Scholarship
- A recent graduate securing a fully funded PhD program
“These victories may seem small, but they transform lives completely,” Hammed emphasizes.
The Mission: Transforming African Educational Landscapes
Breaking Down Global Opportunity Barriers
The EduFurther Mentorship Platform operates on three fundamental pillars:
- Mentorship: Connecting students with experienced guides
- Resources: Providing essential academic and career tools
- Community: Building supportive networks for sustained success
Vision for Educational Transformation
Hammed’s commitment to Levelling Up Education in Africa extends beyond individual success stories. She envisions systematic change that addresses infrastructural limitations, financial barriers, and career support gaps across African educational institutions.
“African students possess incredible potential. They simply need guidance, resources, and mentors who understand their journey and can illuminate pathways to global opportunities,” she concludes.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Educational Empowerment
Rokeebat Hammed’s journey from a helpful classmate in Nigeria to a UK government economist demonstrates education’s transformative power. Through the EduFurther Mentorship Platform, she continues her mission of Levelling Up Education in Africa, ensuring that geography and economic circumstances no longer limit academic aspirations.
Her story proves that one person’s commitment to educational equity can create ripple effects that transform entire communities, opening doors that seemed permanently closed and revealing possibilities that once appeared impossible.
