Uchenna's story

“I was elated when I heard that two alumni had come forward to give me the extra support that I needed. I can’t imagine how I’d have managed without them. Angels truly live among us.”

Uchenna Ndubuisi, John Kinghorn Scholar, ice skating at the Royal Pavilion ice rink, BrightonUchenna Ndubuisi

When Uchenna’s family ran into difficulties and could no longer fund his studies, he was faced with the possibility of having to give up his dream of doing a masters in engineering. After everything he had gone through to get from Nigeria to Sussex, it seemed that the future he had worked towards was in jeopardy.

But, thanks to two remarkable alumni making the most of the 60th Anniversary matched fund, Uchenna’s hopes and dreams were saved. John Kinghorn (Engineering and Informatics, 1971) and Ayo Akinluyi (Economics, 1992) stepped forward to help Uchenna with donations that qualified for a full match. Through their generosity and kindness Uchenna has been given the lifeline he needed to continue his Advanced Mechanical Engineering MSc.

“I was elated when I heard that two alumni had come forward to give me the extra support. What they’ve done means a lot to me and my family back home; I can’t imagine how I’d have managed without them! Thanks to John and Ayo, I have been able to focus on my studies without having to worry about how to pay my fees,” Uchenna says.

“I have always been fascinated about how mechanical components work. Studying for a Masters in Advanced Mechanical Engineering is a huge milestone for me. After graduating, I intend to work in the oil and gas industry before applying to study for a PhD.”

Thanks to a visionary legacy donor, Sussex has launched the 60th Anniversary Matched Fund Scheme. Modest gifts can make a monumental difference to our students’ lives, and doubly so during our special anniversary year where all new gifts over £1,000 will be matched pound for pound.

Help us give every student the best experience of Sussex. Support our 60th Anniversary campaign today

The kindness of John and Ayo has really shaped my outlook on the need to give back. By doing so, we can absolutely transform lives.” UCHENNA NDubuisi
john kinghorn scholar

Contact us

If you would like to hear more about giving to Sussex or would like to discuss your donation, please email us at alumni@sussex.ac.uk.

One of our Development Team would be delighted to give you a call, or meet online, to have a chat about how your gift could support Sussex. Please do get in touch.


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