Coventry Student’s £30,000 Scholarship Fuels Ambition to Tackle Global Poverty

A Coventry University student, Nikita Lal, has secured a prestigious £30,000 scholarship to study Global Financial Planning, with aspirations to combat global financial inequalities. The 18-year-old’s win came through a university competition funded by financial technology company Timeline, founded by Coventry graduate Abraham Okusanya.

A Life-Changing Opportunity

Nikita Lal, an 18-year-old, has been awarded a significant £30,000 scholarship to pursue Global Financial Planning at Coventry University. This life-changing opportunity was made possible through a competition organized by the university and funded by Timeline, a financial technology firm established by Coventry University alumnus Abraham Okusanya. Timeline currently manages assets nearing £10 billion.

Competition Success

The scholarship competition required applicants to develop a detailed budget for a young individual embarking on a new phase of life, such as starting an apprenticeship, a full-time job, or moving away for university. Nikita impressed the judges with her meticulously researched budget for an apprentice working in London but residing in the Midlands. Beyond her project, her exceptional work ethic and selfless nature, demonstrated by her early morning study habits (often starting between 4-5 am) and consistent volunteer work, also contributed to her selection.

Ambitions for Global Impact

Nikita expressed her deep interest in finance, viewing it as a powerful tool for life transformation. "Finance has always interested me – it’s like a doorway that can change your whole life," she stated. "I want to be a person that helps others create and manage their finances." Her personal experiences, including visits to India where she witnessed stark wealth disparities, have fueled her ambition to reduce these inequalities by empowering individuals with financial management skills. Her ultimate goal is to establish a global wealth management firm that serves not only the affluent but also focuses on creating a more equitable financial landscape through financial literacy education.

University and Sponsor Endorsements

Dr. Lien Luu, Curriculum Lead for Financial Planning at Coventry University, praised Nikita’s dedication and desire to make a positive impact. "Nikita has greatly impressed us with her dedication to her studies and her desire to help others and make a significant impact to her community," Dr. Luu commented. "We are very excited that she will join our Global Financial Planning degree at Coventry University in September 2025 and look forward to supporting her to become a great financial planner."

Abraham Okusanya, CEO & Founder of Timeline, also extended his congratulations. "It is a real pleasure to be able to provide this scholarship opportunity. I extend huge congratulations to Nikita," he said. "On behalf of the whole Timeline business, I’m proud to be able to help give Nikita an excellent start in her journey in wealth management and ambition to help humanity. I look forward to seeing her successes in the future."

Key Takeaways

Nikita Lal, an 18-year-old, has won a £30,000 scholarship to study Global Financial Planning at Coventry University.
The scholarship aims to support her ambition to reduce global financial inequalities.
Her winning project involved creating a detailed budget for an apprentice.
Her work ethic, selflessness, and volunteer experience were also key factors in her selection.
Nikita plans to launch a global wealth management firm focused on financial literacy and equality.

Students interested in financial planning or business courses at Coventry University can find more information on the university’s website.