Published: 5 November 2025
At our November graduations, we presented the 2025 Alumni Achiever of the Year Award to Kelvin Ibrahim, 2022 MSc International Business Management graduate, whose professional journey and community impact truly reflects the university’s values.
Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Kelvin moved to the UK to pursue his ambition of studying in a globally connected environment and building a career with a multinational company.
In 2022, Kelvin’s ambition became reality when he became Product Manager at Citi, the £130billion+ multinational investment bank and financial services firm.
The tools to reach career goals
With the university’s location near Canary Wharf - one of the world’s leading financial centres - it was the ideal place for him to develop his skills and network. “The University of Sunderland in London felt like destiny.”, reflected Kelvin.
“The university offered the international experience I wanted and the tools to reach my career goals”.
Inspired by his parents, who both worked in banking, Kelvin had long dreamed of traveling the world and becoming a leader. “Some of my childhood dreams were farfetched”, he said, “but my family always believed in me. Confidence begins at home”.
Leadership has been a constant in Kelvin’s life, from class captain in primary school and senior prefect in high school, to becoming Vice-President of Belfast Toastmasters and Co-Chair of one of Citi’s inclusion networks.
A ‘perfect match’ for success
In 2021, Kelvin enrolled at the University of Sunderland in London, drawn by its location and testimonials about the supportive, career-focused learning environment. Studying in one of the world’s leading financial districts gave him direct access to the multinational corporate world he hoped to join. “It was a perfect match”, he said.
In his role as Product Manager (Trader Telephony) at Citi, Kelvin supports traders in over 70 countries worldwide. Kelvin explained how the MSc International Business Management was key to building a strong foundation in global strategy and organisational leadership, skills he now applies daily.
Beyond his professional success, Kelvin is passionate about giving back. In 2020, he launched the Makoji Kelvin Ibrahim Foundation, which has empowered over 2,000 young people in Nigeria through programmes focused on digital skills, financial literacy, and personal development.
In September, Kelvin’s work was publicly recognised with a Humanitarian Award from the National Youth Council of Nigeria.
He also remains closely connected to the university, offering mentorship and career insights to current students “…to help prepare students for their future careers.”
Reflecting on his Alumni Achiever of the Year award, Kelvin said: “I feel very honoured and privileged - from being a dreamer in Lagos to this success. It’s a further step in achieving my vision and shows how hard work is recognised.”