Being at Cambridge is reminder that

Damilola Oyeyemi is a graduate of Ekiti State University and the co-founder of Craftdemy. She is currently running an MPhil in Public Policy at the University of Cambridge as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar. In this interview by BIOLUWATIFE AKINYEMI, she speaks about her Cambridge experience, among other things.

How did you feel the moment you received the news that you had been selected as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Cambridge?

That was one of the happiest days of my life. Excited would be an understatement. I was at work when the email came in. I remember staring at it for a few seconds, almost afraid to open it. When I finally did, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I kept reading it repeatedly, just to be sure it was real. Then I screamed. Everyone around me looked up, wondering what had happened. I told them, “I got in. I got into Cambridge!”

It was an emotional moment because it wasn’t just an acceptance letter. It was years of hard work, prayers, sleepless nights, and countless rejections, finally transforming into something tangible. I felt seen, not just for what I had achieved, but for what I was capable of becoming. The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship made it even more meaningful because it wasn’t only about funding. It was a validation that my dreams and efforts to drive change in Africa mattered. It felt like God had whispered, “This is your time.”

What inspired your decision to pursue an MPhil in Public Policy, and why Cambridge in particular?

My decision came from a deep desire to contribute to building a better Nigeria. I have always believed that public policy is one of the strongest tools for national transformation. It’s how ideas become action, and how impact becomes sustainable. I’ve worked in spaces where I saw firsthand how a single policy can either empower or limit millions of people. That experience made me want to understand how good policies are designed, implemented, and sustained.

Cambridge stood out because it’s not just a place of prestige. It’s a place of purpose. The MPhil in Public Policy programme here is intentionally practical. It’s not just about theories but about understanding real challenges and designing implementable solutions. The university’s global reputation for academic excellence, the interdisciplinary nature of the course, and the diversity of its student body all made it the perfect environment to stretch my mind and refine my ideas.

When I looked at the list of alumni, I saw leaders, reformers, and innovators who were shaping policy and governance around the world. I wanted to learn in that kind of environment, to be sharpened, challenged, and inspired by people who share the same fire for impact.

Can you walk us through your academic and professional journey leading up to this scholarship?

I graduated with a 4.43 CGPA out of 5.0 from Ekiti State University, where I studied Agricultural Economics and Extension Services. During my undergraduate years, I became deeply interested in how agricultural policies affect rural livelihoods and youth employment. That curiosity led me to explore development work after graduation. Over the next five years, I worked in the non-profit sector, focusing on youth empowerment and social impact projects. I coordinated programmes that trained young people, supported small entrepreneurs, and partnered with local governments to create more inclusive opportunities. Those experiences shaped my understanding of development from the ground up.

Eventually, I transitioned into the ed-tech space, where I became the chief operating officer of a startup focused on expanding access to digital skills and creative education across Africa. That is where Craftdemy was born, a platform I co-founded to help young creatives and artisans turn their passion into sustainable income. Through Craftdemy, I learned how innovation and entrepreneurship can drive economic inclusion and reduce unemployment.

Each stage of my journey, from agriculture to social impact and then to technology and policy, has taught me that sustainable change does not happen by chance. It happens through systems, strategy, and good policy. That is what led me to Cambridge.

Many young Nigerians aspire to study abroad but find the process overwhelming. How did you navigate your application and funding journey?

Every worthwhile goal requires effort and intentionality. Securing funding is not easy. You are essentially convincing an institution to invest tens of thousands of dollars in your potential. That means you must clearly show that you deserve it through your story, your impact, and your vision for change.

For me, the process began long before I started filling out the application forms. I spent months reflecting on my personal and professional journey, identifying the moments that defined my purpose, and aligning them with my long-term goals. I refined my essays many times, shared them with mentors for feedback, and made sure every word reflected authenticity. I wanted the admissions team to see not just my achievements but the heart behind them, the reason that drives me.

I also approached the process prayerfully and strategically. I researched scholarships that aligned with my values and goals, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship stood out immediately. It was more than funding. It was a community, a network of changemakers committed to transforming Africa through education, innovation, and leadership.

When I finally submitted my application, I did so with peace. I knew I had poured my best into it, and that if it was meant to be, it would find its way to me.

What has your experience at Cambridge been like so far?

Transformative. Every day here stretches my thinking in new directions. The MPhil in Public Policy is intense but deeply rewarding. It challenges you to think beyond the surface and to understand how systems, politics, and institutions shape real-world outcomes. I have learned as much from my classmates as I have from the lectures. We come from over 40 countries, and each person brings a unique perspective that challenges assumptions and broadens understanding.

Beyond academics, Cambridge has been a place of reflection and rediscovery. Walking through centuries-old colleges, attending seminars at places like the Bennett Institute for Public Policy, or sharing ideas over coffee with brilliant minds from around the world, all of it reminds me why I am here. I am learning to embrace both the challenge and the privilege of being part of this community.

What are your long-term goals after the MPhil?

After the MPhil, I hope to continue working at the intersection of policy, innovation, and education. I want to design and influence policies that create inclusive opportunities for young people in Africa, especially in the areas of skills development, digital inclusion, and green growth.

My dream is to contribute to building ecosystems where innovation thrives, where young Africans can access the skills, tools, and policies that enable them to create sustainable livelihoods. Whether through Craftdemy or in partnership with governments and international organisations, my focus remains the same — creating systems that make opportunity equitable.

What advice would you give to others who aspire to follow a similar path?

Start where you are. Your journey does not have to look perfect to be purposeful. Every experience, even the small and hidden ones, is preparing you for something greater. Be intentional about growth. Read widely, volunteer, take initiative, and build relationships that align with your values.

When it comes to applications, authenticity is everything. Don’t try to sound like someone else. Tell your story with clarity and conviction. Show how your past connects to your purpose and your future. And, most importantly, stay consistent. The process may be long and uncertain, but persistence always pays off.

Finally, believe that your dreams are valid. For me, being at Cambridge as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar isn’t just a personal achievement — it’s a reminder that the child of a small-town girl from Nigeria can stand in one of the world’s most historic institutions and thrive. If I can do it, others can too.