Tucked in the quiet heart of Ilorin, the University of Ilorin (Unilorin) has long been known for academic rigor. But in the age of remote work and global opportunity, it’s evolving into something greater—a launchpad for global ambition.
At the forefront of this transformation is *Grace Abikoye, a standout graduate who made the leap from an Agricultural Economics classroom at Unilorin to a *full-time role at a prestigious global investment bank in the UK.
Her story is not just one of academic success; it’s a powerful narrative of vision, grit, and the will to chart an unconventional path—paving the way for others to follow.
The Power of a Merit-Based Ecosystem
At Unilorin, excellence is expected and nurtured. The school’s merit-based recognition system, which awards top students with the title of “Scholars,” creates a high-performance culture where talent thrives regardless of background.
Part of this culture is fueled by student-led initiatives like *The Investment Society (TIS)—a cross-university platform that grooms young Nigerians for careers in global finance. Grace was not just a member—she was a leader, serving as *President of TIS Unilorin, inspiring peers to dream beyond borders.
Breaking into Global Finance
Grace’s journey into finance was anything but conventional. Without a formal finance background, she knew she’d have to learn fast and position smartly. She actively participated in networking events, joined student societies, and sought mentorship outside the classroom.
After multiple rejections, she finally landed a competitive internship in 2021 at a top-tier global investment bank. The ten-week program placed her on the *linear rates trading and FX sales desks, where she quickly discovered that while technical finance was a learning curve, she excelled in *relationship management and strategic thinking.
“I leaned into my strengths,” she recalls. “Even though I didn’t have all the answers, I made sure I added value wherever I could.”
Her efforts paid off. She received a fully-sponsored full-time offer—all while still an undergraduate.
From Strategy Rooms to Global Conferences
Today, Grace works in a strategic and project management role, supporting executives and coordinating cross-functional initiatives tied to regulation, sustainability, and corporate strategy. Though not on the trading floor, her work is high-impact.
She has also participated in initiatives like the BCG Aspire Program and the CFA Research Challenge, where she deepened her understanding of sustainability—an area now central to her day-to-day work.
From stakeholder meetings to international finance conferences like *International Energy Week, she’s gaining exposure to global leadership and policymaking—and using that insight to reflect on *Africa’s development potential.
“How can this apply to Africa? How can these solutions spark growth back home?” she often asks herself.
Grace as a Catalyst for Others
Grace’s rise wasn’t just a personal milestone—it created ripple effects for others at Unilorin.
Wisdom Odusanya, another Unilorin graduate, now works as an infrastructure finance analyst at a global investment bank in the UK. He credits Grace for giving him—and others—the belief that it was possible.
“Before Grace, these firms were just names we admired from a distance,” Wisdom said. “She made it real for us.”
Like Grace, Wisdom was part of *TIS Unilorin, serving as *Director of Research under her presidency, and later taking over as President. With a background in Accounting, he also secured a global finance internship, later translating it into a full-time role.
Since Grace’s breakthrough, at least four other Unilorin alumni have landed full-time roles at global investment banks in the UK—a testament to the path she helped forge.
Redefining Success: Strategy, Sacrifice, and Resilience
Success, for Grace, isn’t about titles—it’s about impact.
“What I’ve sacrificed most is time,” she reflects. “Every decision I made—what to learn, where to show up—was intentional.”
Her passion for sustainability, strategy, and innovation is infectious. She speaks with conviction about the need for critical thinking and real-world action, especially in a world facing energy and climate transitions.
But perhaps her most defining quality is resilience.
“I’ve received so many ‘no’s,” she says. “But every rejection was a lesson. If you’re passionate about something, you must keep trying. Learn from your missteps and move forward.”
A Blueprint for the Next Generation
For Grace, visibility matters. Seeing someone with your background excel opens mental doors. And now, others are walking through the doors she’s held open.
“Nigerians can absolutely compete with graduates from global ‘target’ schools,” she says. “But they need the right skills, strategic positioning, and above all—resilience.”
Her story is proof that ambition, when paired with intention and community, can break barriers. And through her example, Grace Abikoye continues to show that the journey from Ilorin to international boardrooms isn’t just possible—it’s already happening.
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