UCT graduate heading to Canada as scholarship finalist

University of Cape Town (UCT) graduate Muhammed Coker will soon journey to Montreal, Quebec, Canada, as a global finalist for the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University.

Applicants came from more than 2 300 universities worldwide, and 280 advanced to a first round of interviews in October and November. The top 38 international candidates, including Coker, will attend the final round of interviews from 25 to 28 March and will be joined by 53 Canadian finalists. Coker recently completed a postgraduate diploma in management and entrepreneurship at UCT as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.

“As a first-time visitor to Canada, including Montreal, I am excited to hike Mount Royal for its stunning city view, experience Montreal’s cultural diversity, bilingual environment, and vibrant academic life,” said Coker. “I look forward to engaging with local communities and exploring the city’s history.”

Established with a landmark C$200 million gift in 2019, the McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies. McCall MacBain scholars receive substantial funding to pursue an eligible degree at McGill University. Scholars are paired with mentors and coaches, participate in an interdisciplinary leadership programme, and have access to the McCall MacBain House on campus.

“[The scholarship] inspires me to amplify my commitment to empowering youth and women smallholder farmers.”

Coker is the founder and executive director of Agro Incubation Hub, a non-profit organisation (NPO) that empowers youth and women smallholder farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices. He also works independently as a facilitator and coach, focusing on business development and financial literacy.

“Being a finalist for the McCall MacBain Scholarships is indeed a lifetime opportunity for me. It inspires me to amplify my commitment to empowering youth and women smallholder farmers and continue driving sustainable impact in my community while leveraging education to contribute meaningfully to solutions on a global scale.”

Coker is applying for a master’s programme in agricultural economics and management at McGill.

Studies

“We aim to support emerging leaders who demonstrate integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage,” said Dr Marcy McCall MacBain, chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “These students have already shown remarkable promise in their communities, and we’re grateful to the universities that encouraged and supported them in pursuing this opportunity.”

While in Canada, Coker will interview with leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector. Up to 30 McCall MacBain scholars will be selected after final interviews. International finalists not selected for the cohort will be eligible to receive C$20 000 towards their studies at McGill.

“We are also deeply thankful to the more than 300 leaders in their fields who lend their time to help us select these exceptional students and graduates,” added Natasha Sawh, the chief executive of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill.”