As a middle school student in Accra Newtown, Ghana, Fatihi Mohammed put his education on hold. According to Mohammed, he dropped out because he didn't fully appreciate the long-term importance of education until he read Dr. Ben Carson's book Think Big, which inspired him to return to school. Returning to school was a challenge, but his perseverance and dedication paid off. Through renewed focus and efforts, the student has shown remarkable academic growth and is now working toward his MSLIS degree at the University of Illinois. Mohammed is receiving support for his studies through the Anna Mae Koval Scholarship Fund at the iSchool. The scholarship is a powerful reminder that honors the hard-won progress he has made.
"This scholarship validates the challenging journey I have undertaken, and the countless times I have had to remind myself that the nights spent studying after years away from the classroom would eventually make sense," he said. "I see this opportunity and the many I have received in the pursuit of my education through the lens of my experience in my community, where many bright minds often have had to put their education on hold and eventually not pursue further education due to various challenges."
Mohammed earned his bachelor's degree in information studies and psychology at the University of Ghana. There, he learned how data can empower decision-making, as well as the risks of mishandling information.
"Through my academic and professional experiences, I have seen how poor data management can compromise privacy and erode trust," he said. "This realization inspired me to pursue an LIS degree as I believe that robust data privacy and sound data governance practices are essential for navigating our increasingly digital world."
Mohammed chose the MSLIS degree program at the iSchool because of its flexibility, which allows him to take additional courses that align with his interests in data privacy, AI governance, digital forensics, risk, and compliance. Outside class, he works as a teaching assistant for Social Aspects of Information Technology (IS 202), and as a graduate assistant at the iSchool Help Desk, where he provides technical IT support to the iSchool community. He enjoys playing soccer, reading, and networking. Support from the Koval Scholarship has lifted part of his financial burden, making it easier to balance his academics with work and extracurricular activities.
"As a Koval Scholar, this reminds me that perseverance can open doors and now I have a far greater responsibility to keep those doors open for others as I have done in my own small ways ever since I got back to school," said Mohammed. "This scholarship goes far beyond an individual success, it represents hope and possibility for others in my Zango community. It strengthens my resolve to continue to excel academically and, more importantly, to return to the community to provide guidance to young people who might be considering leaving school and grant them similar opportunities. As we say in Hausa language, 'Ubangiji yana nan raye, wannan ma zai yiwu— to wit, My God is Alive; this too will be possible."