In a remarkable achievement, Fatima Yunusa (SFS’24), a Georgetown University alumna and passionate advocate for Nigeria’s socioeconomic development, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Rhodes Scholarship.
Yunusa is among three recipients in West Africa for this year’s Rhodes class and adds her name to the growing list of Georgetown scholars who have earned the globally renowned postgraduate fellowship.
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From Nigeria to Oxford: A Journey of Purpose
Fatima’s story is deeply rooted in her experience growing up across different regions in Nigeria. She observed firsthand how many highly educated Nigerians struggled to transition into meaningful employment. This reality stirred in her a powerful conviction: the existing systems of talent development were fragmented, unsustainable, and too often disconnected from market realities.
At Georgetown University in Qatar, where she graduated in 2024, she committed herself to studying culture and politics, zeroing in on women’s empowerment and economic development. Her research ranged from education policy in North Africa to examining how Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act affects women’s lives.
Meaningful Work, Real Impact
After graduating, Fatima took on an engagement role with the US-Qatar Business Council in Doha. There, she created bridges between public, private, and nonprofit sectors on issues like international cooperation, trade, and economic development, especially in emerging economies.
Her vision for the Rhodes Scholarship is equally clear. She plans to pursue advanced study in public policy and research, with a long-term goal of tackling poverty in Nigeria through sustainable employment and innovation. “High-quality jobs,” she says, “are the most sustainable way for poverty alleviation.”
Acknowledgement and Aspirations
Georgetown’s interim president, Robert M. Groves, offered his warm congratulations, noting that Yunusa’s dedication to public service and upliftment reflects the core values of the institution.
Lauren Tuckley, director of Georgetown’s Center for Research & Fellowships, praised her relentless determination. “Fatima is a tireless scholar and advocate,” Tuckley said, emphasising that her selection for the Rhodes Scholarship is a powerful recognition of both her vision and grit.
For Fatima, the journey continues. She plans to bring her experiences—from grassroots policy understanding to global networking—to the UK, where she will use the Rhodes platform to develop scalable solutions for talent development in Nigeria.
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