Published: 28 February 2024
We hear from MBA graduate, Chinwe Agwuncha, on how she was supported by the university throughout her educational journey, from being welcomed to campus right up to taking to the stage at her graduation ceremony.
Successfully completing a Master’s in Business Administration, in addition to already holding a master’s degree in banking and finance, is an achievement enough; but for Chinwe, who has faced physical disability from a very early age, it is an inspiration.
At the age of just seven months, Chinwe, from Anambra State in Nigeria, lost mobility in her both her legs - attending school, her first university, and work with the aid of crutches. “I was laughed at and mimicked at school, sometimes the kids would even hide my crutches.”.
For Chinwe, though, her physical disability was not a block on her academic and career ambitions. Supported and encouraged throughout by her mother, a registered nurse, from an early age to focus, strive, and succeeded academically – Chinwe’s motivations and determination saw her succeed. This included a 20-year career rising through the ranks in Nigerian commercial banking. Her mother, Chinwe explains, was “her inspiration”.
In 2022, Chinwe looked to take the next stage in her academic journey – wanting to gain international experience by studying in the UK. The University of Sunderland stood out to Chinwe for its high-quality disability support services.
With family members living in London, able to offer support outside the university, Chinwe then transferred to the London campus – and was similarly impressed by its disability support provision. “It gave me peace of mind that I made the right choice to study at the University of Sunderland in London.”.
Chinwe felt supported from her first initial contact with staff at the London campus – with Matthew Stokes, Student Engagement Officer, and Pamela Afra-Dicko, Student Wellbeing Adviser, receiving particular praise, with Chinwe explaining how they went “above and beyond”.
“The exceptional support at the university gave me confidence to succeed and made me feel included. It removed potential sources of stress - such as how to get to, from and around the campus building - allowing me to focus on my studies.”.
Chinwe explains how university staff considered her needs right up until her graduation ceremony on 7 February, which included arranging transport for her to get to and from Southwark Cathedral.
Even before graduating, Chinwe says she has been actively telling friends and family about her positive experience with the university – “People are pleasantly surprised at the level of support I received.”.
Reflecting on her achievements, as she looks to the next stage of her career the UK, Chinwe’s encouraging message for those in a similar personal situation is that “Disability is not an inability to succeed and achieve what you want in life.”