Full Q & A with Samuel Akogun
(1) Could you please tell us your full name?
My name is Samuel Akogun.
(2) Where are you originally from?
I am from Nigeria.
(3) Which university are you currently attending?
Syracuse University.
(4) What program are you studying?
MSc in Architecture.
(5) Before finding 8B, what challenges did you face in trying to fund your education? Who else did you seek help from, and how did they respond?
Before finding 8B Education, I had taken a loan with MPower. While it helped initially, the disbursement process was slow and the repayment interest was quite high. As I approached my final semester, I needed a faster and more flexible option to ensure I could complete my program without delays. That led me to choose 8B, whose process was much quicker and whose repayment terms were more reasonable.
(6) When you reached out to 8B for help, what was that experience like? How did the team respond and support you?
The experience was smooth and straightforward. The 8B team handled the process efficiently, making everything clear and easy to navigate from start to finish.
(7) How did the support from 8B change your education and professional journey?
The support from 8B gave me the opportunity to successfully complete my master’s program. It removed financial pressure during a critical stage of my studies and allowed me to focus on finishing strong.
(8) Since receiving support from 8B, what new opportunities have opened up for you?
Since receiving support, I was able to secure an Optional Practical Training (OPT) placement with an architecture firm. This has allowed me to apply the skills and knowledge I gained during my master’s program in a real-world professional setting.
(9) Looking ahead, what are your future career goals?
I plan to fully transition into real estate development and construction, building on my architectural training and professional experience.
(10) What would you say to other African students who are thinking about 8B?
I would encourage them to go for it and stay committed to working hard in their studies. With the right support and focus, success is achievable.
(11) Before joining the 8B loan program, how would you describe your financial literacy around student financing?
Average.
(12) After completing the program, how would you rate your financial literacy now?
Good.
(13) And finally, how satisfied are you overall with the support provided by 8B?
5/5.
