Surayyah Ahmad named one the world's 'Best & Brightest' MBA students in 2025

Surayya's 'home town' is Katsina State, Nigeria and she has come to Oxford Saïd having graduated in Business & Economics at the University of Hertfordshire. She is co-chair of the Oxford Africa Business Alliance and said in her application to be featured: 'I am most proud of the work we are doing at the Oxford Africa Business Alliance to demystify Africa, providing people with opportunities to engage with and learn about the continent. We are actively building partnerships across the globe to support individuals looking to return and contribute to Africa’s growth, as well as those aiming to launch ventures and create impact.

'Additionally, we have worked closely with faculty to bring local and African perspectives into classroom discussions by inviting relevant organizations to share their stories, enriching the learning experience with real-world insights.'

She continued: 'I am proud of the work we have done in supporting founders and entrepreneurs in underserved areas of Northern Nigeria, especially women. Many of these founders have successfully raised additional capital, scaled their businesses, and contributed to economic growth in their communities. Seeing their progress and impact reinforces the importance of fostering inclusive entrepreneurship and unlocking opportunities for underrepresented talent.'

Surayya admitted she chose to study at Oxford because of the 'unapologetic' focus on making a difference - and has very much been enjoying her time in the city of dreaming spires. She said: 'My favourite Oxford tradition are the college dinners....you cannot have dinner in a college where you are not a member unless you are invited by a student who is a member of the college. This means that every college invite we get is different and fascinating. There is a tapestry of culture, history and uniqueness that each college possess.'

As the Founding Partner of Sabou Capital, Surayya is deeply committed to empowering underserved founders, particularly in secondary cities across West and Central Africa. Through Sabou Capital, she combines strategic investments with tailored technical support, ensuring that SMEs not only access capital but also receive the mentorship and resources needed to scale sustainably. Her focus on investing in outstanding founders—especially women—demonstrates her dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth.

At Oxford, Surayyah is a Laidlaw Foundation and Mastercard Foundation scholar and has been an integral part of the MBA community.

According to Amy Major: 'Surayyah’s impact at Oxford is profound - she exemplifies the values of the MBA programme, combining academic excellence with a passion for real-world impact. Her work in entrepreneurship, investment, and inclusive growth makes her a truly exceptional candidate for this recognition.'

Meanwhile,  Carlota Jimenez Rodriguez, Programme Manager, Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre, said: 'Surayyah is one of the most exceptional students I’ve come across at the school. Her professionalism, energy, and enthusiasm are truly contagious. Balancing a full-time MBA while being a mother to a young toddler demonstrates her determination and drive to achieve her goals.'

Surayyah said a 'fun fact' about herself is that she is a mother of three beautiful children.