The Life as a Ghana Student at the UEA - Abdul-Razzak Yakubu

The youth movement for African unity, headed up by master’s student Abdul-Razak Yakubu. Photograph: The University of East Anglia

Abdul became interested in activism from a very early age. The mission of “making things better” surrounded his childhood, with World Vision and various NGOs being as much a part of his community as the locals themselves in Tamale, in the northern region of Ghana.

Growing up in northern Ghana presents many challenges to young people. It is under-developed, rural and heavily reliant on agriculture. It’s also an estimated 50 years behind southern Ghana, the urbanised, coastal region where many young people flee for a chance of income.

With his interests focused on gender activism; the rights of young girls and women; Abdul sought formal education with a diploma and bachelor of arts in business studies. But this was not enough to make the progress he wanted to see in his country. He needed formal recognition.

The Chevening Scholarship is a UK government award scheme aimed at developing global leaders by academically linking them with UK opportunities and networks. Abdul was one of only three Ghanaians to receive this after demonstrating his potential as a young agent of change.

He says: “Young leaders are found virtually in all areas of work in Africa and many of them are demonstrating semblance of hope that given the right platform, and the right opportunities, they can be change champions.”