When her plans to go to straight to university from school didn’t work out, Nwamaka’s learning journey took her to NESCol.

19-year-old Nwamaka Obi is from Delta State in Nigeria where she attended James Hope College, a close-knit boarding school. In her final year of senior school, she had some minor health issues and was unfortunately unable to complete the qualifications she needed for university.

While considering her options, she decided to relocate to Aberdeen to be with her family.

Nwamaka was required to attend school for another two years in Aberdeen, during which time she achieved four Highers. However, she was disappointed to be told that she was unlikely to be accepted into university.

She said, “School advised that no university would accept me, so I should apply to college. That was really discouraging, but I followed their advice and applied to NESCol instead.

“Looking back, it was the right path for me. I was already feeling anxious about going straight to university. Coming from a smaller school, I was used to more one-on-one support, and the idea of large lectures and less access to lecturers felt overwhelming.”

Studying business

Nwamaka’s next decision was what subject to study. She initially wanted to study law like her dad and grandfather but finally settled on business management.

She said, “Studying HND Business has honestly been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’ve really enjoyed how practical and engaging the course is. It’s helped me build a strong foundation in areas like marketing, finance, and management, and it’s also given me a lot of confidence.

“You’re exposed to different areas which gives you a chance to explore your strengths and interests before choosing a specific path. And honestly, you can never go wrong with a business qualification! The opportunities are endless and understanding how business works opens doors in every industry.”

The College experience

Nwamaka flourished in the NESCol environment, praising the welcoming environment and how much the small class sizes benefitted her.

She said, “It made a huge difference for me because I got to know everyone quickly, and after the first month, I felt completely comfortable contributing in class. It felt like a safe space.

“That comfort helped build my confidence, and I believe that my willingness to participate played a big part in the positive grades I achieved.”

With her growing confidence, Nwamaka was able to not only expand her network but make friends for life.

She said, “Our class included students interested in different areas of business, so now I know if I ever need help with something, I’ve got people I can reach out to.

“But more importantly, my friends were my support system. On the days I felt discouraged, they were the ones who kept me going.”

Nwamaka attended College two days a week, and this gave her a good balance between life, work and studies. She also dedicated her free time to volunteering and her efforts were highlighted at the 2025 Go Celebrate! Awards, where she was Highly Commended in the Go Make a Difference category.

Support at NESCol

Nwamaka praised the support she received, saying, “What makes NESCol stand out is how much the teaching and support staff actually care.”

One of her concerns with coming to College was how her health would impact assessments.

She said, “When I shared this with the College, they were unbelievably understanding. I remember crying in the Student Advice Centre because I couldn’t believe how seen and supported I felt. It meant so much to me that they truly cared and made the effort to accommodate my needs without judgment.”

Nwamaka also highlighted how approachable her lecturers were, and how they were invested in her success. In the first year of her HND, one lecturer made sure she was caught up with UK and Scottish current events by sharing relevant news articles.

She said, “For some people in the class, it wasn’t necessary because they had grown up here, but as someone new to the country, it made a massive difference.”

Her lecturers also always went above and beyond, offering help and advice whenever they could.

She said, “Any time I raised an issue or concern, it was taken seriously and resolved quickly. There was even a time I had a problem with one of my assessments, and I got an email from my lecturer at 9am on a Saturday to arrange a Teams call.”

Next steps

Nwamaka has big plans for the future. Her hard work has paid off, and having completed her HND, she is set to continue her education at Robert Gordon University, studying Business with Human Resource Management.

Keen to put what she learned at College into practice, she recently launched her own jewellery brand, AH MAH KA, and she hopes to continue building this business.

Not content with running a business and studying for a degree, she is also planning to take on more front-facing volunteering roles, where she can make a direct impact.

Nwamaka said, “In the future, I see myself owning and managing several businesses, getting involved in more international volunteering and advocacy opportunities, and one day, sitting in a UN meeting and speaking up for young people and their rights.

“That’s the dream – to build something meaningful while using my voice to empower others.”

Nwamaka’s advice

Nwamaka’s advice for anyone thinking about going to College is to “just do it”.

She said, “It feels like a community, and there’s genuinely a course for everyone here, no matter your background or interests.

“I’d just like to end by saying thank you to NESCol for giving me the best two years of my life. College was exactly what I needed to get back on track after everything I had been through. I’m so grateful for the people I met, the support I received and the growth I’ve experienced.”

Study Business at NESCol

Like Nwamaka said, a business qualification can open the door to opportunities in every industry!

Explore NESCol’s full-time business courses