The class of 2024: Akindolie family award 9 scholarships in ninth year of medical scholarship scheme

The UK-based branch of the Akindolie family is delighted to award medical scholarships to 9 exceptional UK medical students from minority ethnic backgrounds.

The Akindolie Medical Scholarship is now in its 9th year.

The scholarship was established in 2016 by Professor Funke Abimbola MBE?(nee Akindolie),?Dr. Omowunmi Akindolie?and?Dr. Femi Akindolie?(junior) (pictured below) to honour their late father, Dr. Frank Olufemi Akindolie.

Commenting on the scholarship scheme, Professor Funke Abimbola said:

“The scheme is privately funded and administered by my siblings and I.

It is a fitting legacy in memory of our father who studied medicine in Germany in the 1960s and then enjoyed a successful medical career in Lagos, Nigeria.

Our father was supported by a scholarship award in Germany without which he would not have been able to qualify as a doctor.

He made tremendous sacrifices to educate us privately in the UK and, because of this, we remain determined to maximise the potential of as many minority ethnic medical students as possible”.

Commenting further, Professor Abimbola said, "We are extremely proud of all the students recognised this year and delighted to celebrate their achievements so far".

The students awarded a 2024 scholarship are:

1. MAIN WINNER - Harroop Bola, Imperial College Medical School

Harroop is a final-year medical student at Imperial College London, holding a National Heart and Lung Institute prize-winning first-class iBSc in cardiovascular sciences and distinctions in both Medical and Clinical Sciences. Currently, he serves as the acting Chairperson of the British Indian Medical Association, established in 2020.

Harroop has altruistically championed numerous initiatives to support physicians and medical students. Under his visionary leadership, BIMA has engaged over 7000 individuals through more than 270 national events, creating a robust platform for mentorship, career guidance, and cultural expression. His efforts have been instrumental in bridging gaps in mentorship and career development for British Indian medical students and professionals, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.His professional interests also encompass medical education, where he actively serves as the student representative for the Academy of Medical Educators.

In this capacity, he strives to enhance and promote student engagement with medical education initiatives and uphold standards of medical education. Furthermore, Harroop holds the position of Clinical Key Clinical Assessment Editor for Elsevier. In this role, he has curated a comprehensive UKMLA Questionbank and is presently working on his second book. His initial published work, titled "RevMED 400 SBAs in Preclinical Medicine," was released in 2021.With a notable academic record, Harroop has authored six medical publications. He has received recognition for his exceptional service, including the Outstanding Service Award from the Imperial College Union for his dedicated service. Additionally, he has been honoured with the MedAll Exceptional Educator Award for delivering high-quality academic support to medical students through BIMA.

His advocacy for British Indian representation in healthcare has led to strategic partnerships with the General Medical Council and the Asian Cancer Support Group, further expanding BIMA's scope and outreach.

A key highlight of Harroop's work is his cross-collaboration with the GMC to support International Medical Graduates.

2. Chelsea Brown, Imperial College Medical School

Chelsea is a 5th-year medical student at Imperial College London with a passion for diversifying medical education and supporting underrepresented groups in medicine, propelled by her dedication, leadership, and vision for the future of healthcare.

She is the co-founder and vice president of Black Medics UK , a nonprofit organisation dedicated to mentoring, educating, and networking BAME medical students. In her role, Chelsea spearheads the educational initiatives of BMUK, organizing a mentorship scheme that currently supports 60 medical students. She has also coordinated a team to develop a comprehensive set of educational resources for these students to aid their academic and professional development.

One of her standout achievements has been the co-organisation of the “Colour in Clinic” lecture series, which explores the need for diversity in medical practice and the broader implications of treating a diverse patient population. This initiative reflects Chelsea’s commitment to reshaping healthcare practices to better serve all communities.Outside of her work with BMUK, Chelsea has a strong commitment to philanthropy and activism. She completed a personal challenge of running 1km a day for a month, raising over ￡800 to support Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) .

Chelsea is also an active researcher, having presented at national conferences, and remains passionate about contributing to the medical field through her research. Her long-term goal is to pursue a career in surgery, where she hopes to continue making a meaningful impact both in clinical practice, research and medical education.

3. Kofi Afrifa, Glasgow Medical School

Kofi was born in Germany to Ghanaian parents who, despite not attending university themselves, made the significant sacrifice of moving to the UK with Kofi and his two siblings. He is now a medical student at the University of Glasgow, having earned a 2:1 honours degree and gaining many other notable achievements throughout his intercalated BSc from the University of St Andrews .

Kofi entered St Andrews through the Gateway to Medicine programme, where he excelled both academically and beyond. He volunteered for MedicInsight, marking applications and later serving as a student ambassador, delivering talks and events to inspire the next generation of widening access pupils. As part of the PALS mentorship scheme, Kofi provided guidance to younger students.

He also contributed to In2MedSchool UCAT courses and worked with Reach Scotland to offer interview coaching. He has positively impacted hundreds of students across Scotland and beyond. Additionally, Kofi played a key role in welcoming alumni from the class of 1972 back to the School of Medicine. Kofi’s academic performance has been exceptional, earning him a place on the Dean’s List for the 2022/23 academic year, all while maintaining his extracurricular commitments.

At Glasgow, he co-founded the new Widening Access to Medicine Student Society in partnership with the medical lead for widening access. This student-led initiative has produced a mentoring programme that supports those facing challenges transitioning to university.Kofi’s dedication to widening access earned him a nomination for the British Education Awards. He is passionate about empowering the next generation of medics from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them make informed decisions and inspiring them to be the best version of themselves.

Now in his penultimate year, Kofi plans to continue engaging with students from diverse backgrounds, aiming to drive change on a national level throughout his career.

4. Rosemary Kafula, Leicester Medical School

Ambitious, conscientious, and driven, Rosemary is a final year medical student at the University of Leicester spearheading initiatives to celebrate diversity and empower underrepresented groups in medicine.

Rosemary most recently served as the President of the Leicester University Medics African Caribbean Society (LUMACS) where she was responsible for leading a dynamic committee of eleven towards the society’s successful relaunch since being idle post-pandemic. She most notably initiated the “Medic of the Month” award to celebrate the achievements of black medical students and organised a National Careers Panel, providing an interactive platform for black doctors to share their journeys and inspire an audience of 40+ attendees.

As a result of her work with LUMACS, Rosemary was selected to serve on the University’s Race Equity Action Group to champion black voices and offer a unique and insightful perspective as a black student navigating the world of medicine. Recognised for her leadership and advocacy work, Rosemary was named one of the UK’s Top 150 Future Leaders by Powerlist Magazine for 2024/2025 and has been highly commended by organisations such as WeAreTheCity and the Caribbean And African Health Network.

Her lasting impact is also felt through her role as Medical School Ambassador, where she encourages prospective medical students to overcome their perceived barriers to higher education. Since the beginning of her volunteerism journey, Rosemary has vowed to give back and instill confidence and resilience amongst the next generation of students through mentoring, tutoring and academic support contributions.?She founded a private online tuition service dedicated towards the provision of personalised one-to-one GCSE lessons to secondary school students across the country.?Her excellence extends beyond leadership roles.

Rosemary’s academic record remains consistent, serving as testament to her dedication towards professional development. Rosemary is poised to become a future leader in medicine.

5. Umme Alam, Plymouth Medical School

Since starting medical school at University of Plymouth in 2020, Umme has been actively involved with In2MedSchool , a charity dedicated to helping students from under represented backgrounds gain admission to medical school. Over time, Umme has taken on increasing responsibilities within the charity, progressing from Regional Head to National Mentorship Coordinator and later becoming a Director in 2022.

In this role, she founded the In2MedSchool Acceleration Programme (IAP), a project designed to address educational disparities in secondary schools.Under Umme’s leadership, the IAP has grown significantly, expanding from 250 students in 18 schools to over 1,000 in 80 schools by 2023.

The programme has made a profound difference: 78% of participants reported an improved understanding of the medical school application process, 84% gained academic confidence, and 98.7% enhancedtheir teamwork and communication skills.

Umme's passion for leadership has been further demonstrated through her selection as a Healthcare Leadership Academy Scholar. This competitive programme allowed her to connect with like-minded individuals and hone her leadership abilities, preparing her to advocate for positive change within the healthcare system.Born in Pakistan and having moved to the UK at the age of five, Umme draws inspiration from her family's experiences navigating a new education system.

Her parents' determination to provide a better future instilled in her a sense of purpose and resilience, fuelling her drive to positively impact education and healthcare.

6. Ashre Moses, Manchester Medical School

Ashré is a Guyanese 3rd-year medical student at The University of Manchester with a passion for education, mentoring, and social impact.

He co-founded RiseUp Tuition, a company "For Students, by Students", aiming to create opportunities for A-Level and GCSE students to receive academic support whilst financially supporting higher education students. His determination whilst leading the development of the website and coordinating tutor onboarding is a testament to his willingness and determination to educate others, while creating valuable opportunities for students and tutors alike.

Beyond this, Ashré has led mock interview days for aspiring medical students, coordinating and presenting workshops to help applicants refine their interview skills and succeed in the application process. His commitment to mentorship extends to his role as a Medic Mentor Scholar. This summer he mentored two groups of six students at a summer school, one of his groups earned a scholarship, underscoring his dedication to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

He has also worked as a mentor with WithInsight Education, supporting a BAME student in securing their dream place at a one of the Russell Group of Universities . Ashré’s commitment to social impact is evident through his years of volunteering. His faith plays a significant role in his life, guiding his passion for serving others. At his church, where he has volunteered for over eight years, he engages with diverse communities, welcoming all with a smile. In addition to his church involvement, Ashré took part in a project aimed at raising awareness of knife crime, highlighting a critical issue affecting the youth in his community.

This experience, combined with years of volunteering and mentoring, exemplifies his dedication to social impact, education, and the progression of underrepresented groups.

7. Daniel Aggrey, Nottingham Medical School

Daniel recently completed an intercalated Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMedSci) degree with Honours, marked by his dedication to academic excellence. He earned a First-Class grade on his dissertation, leading to a poster presentation at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference. His research has been published in Diabetes UK and is set to appear in the British Diabetes Journal in 2025. For his groundbreaking work in diabetes and endocrinology, Daniel received the Joan Browne Prize from the University of Nottingham.

Outside academics, Daniel is committed to community service and addressing health disparities. He founded AggreyMedic, an online platform where he shares his medical school journey and provides guidance to aspiring doctors. With nearly 6,000 followers on TikTok, Daniel has helped students gain entry into prestigious medical schools such as Cardiff, Leeds, and Birmingham. His mission is to inspire and support future doctors, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

In addition, Daniel is actively involved in his local community, organizing fundraisers for charities like Junior Mission for All (JMA). Through weekly sponsored runs and bake sales, he has raised significant funds to support vital medical services. He also participates in several university societies, including the UoN Powerlifting Society, UoN Medics Football Society, and Kharis on Campus, a Christian fellowship.Daniel approaches his work with quiet determination, empathy, and a sense of humour, allowing him to connect with others easily.

Known for his reliability and focus, he consistently immerses himself in his responsibilities. His ability to inspire and empower those around him reflects strong teamwork and leadership skills, aligning with the core qualities of an exemplary doctor.

8. Azeezat Sanusi, Brighton and Sussex Medical School

Azeezat is a dedicated fourth-year medical student at Brighton and Sussex Medical School , driven by her passion for science, community service, and healthcare representation. With a First-Class Honours degree in Nursing and distinctions in both Access to Medicine and Nursing courses, Azeezat has consistently demonstrated academic excellence despite significant financial and personal challenges.

Co-founding the Zabbhi Lifesaver Foundation, Azeezat has worked tirelessly to raise funds for underprivileged communities in Nigeria. Through her engaging social media presence, which reaches over 75,000 aspiring medical students and nurses, she has played a pivotal role in helping many secure admission to prestigious medical schools, actively supporting disadvantaged students in achieving their goals.

At university, Azeezat is an active member of the Afro-Caribbean Society. During her first degree, she led initiatives that increased the visibility of Black students, including organizing Black History Month celebrations and educational outreach programs.

Azeezat's ambition to specialize in Obstetrics and Gynecology is fueled by her commitment to women's health, particularly addressing disparities faced by Black women. She aspires to create safe spaces for them and to conduct research on conditions that disproportionately affect them, such as fibroids and high maternal mortality rates.

Growing up in an educationally deprived area as the first in her family to attend university, Azeezat understands the barriers faced by students like herself. She leads a private mentoring group, offering empathetic guidance to the next generation of healthcare professionals.

9. Arzoo Dar, Hull York Medical School

Arzoo is a third-year medical student at University of York , interested in geriatrics, neurology, psychiatry, and medical education. She hopes to build a portfolio career in medicine pursuing research and teaching alongside clinical practice. Throughout medical school, she has consistently aimed high and achieved distinctions in her phase I examinations while actively pursuing her research endeavours.

She has attended numerous conferences, both nationally and internationally, to present research. She received second prize for her research on disease-modifying therapies for dementia with Lewybodies, which she presented at the RCPsych Neuropsychiatry conference in London. She has also been invited to present her research findings at the Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age Conference in New Zealand, which is an incredible achievement. Arzoo was awarded the RCPsych PsychStar awardfollowing a competitive application process, reflecting her commitment to psychiatry.

Outside of medicine, Arzoo has a passion for art and cancer advocacy. As a bone cancer survivor herself, she has incredible insight into the experience of patients with rare diseases and the challenges that cancer brings, both physical and mental. To give back to the cancer community, shevolunteered as a Cancer Champion for the patient-led charity Yorkshire Cancer Community and later went on to found her own podcast, “You CANcervive: Let’s Talk About Cancer”. The podcast aimed to tackle cancer myths, eliminate stigma, promote screening and increase cancer awarenessamongst the general population.

Thus far, the podcast has reached nearly 1000 listens - a commendable achievement for a small-scale initiative.A colleague described Arzoo as a “strong, diligent and compassionate individual who has faced adversity but did not allow this to prevent her from achieving her goals.”

She strives to be a ray of hope for cancer patients and a reminder to never give up on your dreams.

Applications for the 2025 scholarship open on 1st April 2025.

More details about the scholarship can be found at:

Scholarship details

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ABOUT PROFESSOR FUNKE ABIMBOLA MBE

Professor Funke Abimbola is a multi-award-winning Corporate Lawyer, global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Leader, C-suite and healthcare executive, BBC commentator, Non-Executive Director, Public Speaker, and podcast host.

Most importantly, she is the proud mother of a 21 year old son who works as a technology consultant at a global consulting firm, focusing on AI and data science.

She was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by HRH Queen Elizabeth II for services to diversity and young people in the 2017 birthday honours list.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @Champ1Diversity

Instagram: @professorfunke