Before starting my studies at CCLS, I worked at KPMG Nigeria as a tax (deal advisory) associate for 2 years. Prior to KPMG Nigeria, I worked as an associate at a full-service commercial law firm in Nigeria for about one year.
I have always been very passionate about tax, particularly international tax and tax planning. Given Queen Mary University’s unique Tax Law programme which offers modules on International Tax, UK Tax, and EU Tax, I chose to study at the Centre for Commercial Law Studies.
On 27th March 2020, I received an email from CCLS informing me of the Roy Goode Scholarship. Specifically, the email mentioned that the Roy Goode Scholarship would provide me with a full fee waiver to mark the 40th anniversary of CCLS. This was a rare opportunity for me as the scholarship had traditionally provided for a half tuition fee waiver.
I was delirious with joy! I had almost given up all hope that I would study at CCLS, as I did not have the funds to pay for my tuition. Coincidentally, I had contemplated sending an email to the University to decline my offer of admission a few days before the opportunity to apply for the Roy Goode Scholarship arose. Before I saw the email, I had unsuccessfully sought funds from private and public bodies and had decided that I would not be doing the masters programme in 2021.
I have had a fantastic experience so far. I have been privileged to be taught by some of the best tax lecturers in the UK and to interact with some of the best international students. Whilst the classes have been largely online, I have had the opportunity to network and make friends with some exceptional students. This has been the highlight of my experience at CCLS. I am really pleased to study at CCLS and would gladly recommend CCLS to any prospective applicant.
I have been lucky to get a job at one of the biggest professional service firms in the world and the Roy Goode Scholarship was especially helpful in my interview. The interviewers were very impressed that I was awarded such a prestigious scholarship and asked me how I was able to achieve this. Indeed, in all my interviews at different firms, the Roy Goode Scholarship was a talking point.
I would certainly not have started my masters programme in 2021 and would have missed out on the opportunity to pursue my dream of being an international tax lawyer. I cannot describe how happy I am that I got the scholarship and how much easier the scholarship has made my studies at Queen Mary University.
I would love to thank the donors for making it possible for me to achieve my dreams. I am immensely grateful to them for supporting the Scholarship and giving me the opportunity to learn from some of the best teachers and students at Queen Mary University.