CAF and BAF Graduate Scholarships

Georgia Williams (left) and Zainab Abdulai (right) are the current recipients of the Care-Experienced Academic Futures (CAF) and Black Academic Futures (BAF) Graduate Scholarships.

Thanks to an incredibly generous matched giving scheme at Oxford University, we are able to support two new graduates at Keble on the Care-Experienced Academic Futures (CAF) and Black Academic Futures (BAF) programmes. The College has secured an additional £99,000 in Graduate Scholarship funding after raising £31,000 in donations from the 2023 Giving Day.

Scholarship recipients Georgia Williams (2024 MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice, CAF) and Zainab Abdulai (2024 Bachelor of Civil Law, BAF) joined Keble in October. We spoke with them about their trajectories to date and plans for the future.

Could you tell us a bit about your background? 

[Georgia Williams] Before moving to Oxford, I lived in Edinburgh where I studied Law as an Undergraduate. At Edinburgh, I was a 'LawPAL', working with first-year students to aid their transition to University. I also worked with a pro bono legal research initiative, and I was a committee member for the LGBTQ+ Law Society. Although I don't have a background in sports, I took up bouldering and yoga whilst at University, which I still enjoy today. 

[Zainab Abdulai] I'm from Nigeria where I got my undergraduate degree in Law. I grew up in Ibadan, which while physically huge can feel like a small town. So, moving to London to work in 2021 was quite the change. I worked in the City for three and a half years before moving to Oxford to pursue the BCL.

What drew you to your area of study?

[GW] During my undergraduate degree, I was able to take an optional course entitled Critical Issues in Contemporary Policing. This was my first introduction to Criminology and I was incredibly engaged by the course, rekindling a child-like enjoyment for learning. The professor who led the course was incredibly influential in my decision to pursue further study; their passion for the field and their example inspired me to consider a career in academia. My research interests largely revolve around policing, especially questions of police reform and how this intersects with social welfare reform in the UK. I was drawn to Oxford specifically because of the research clusters within the Criminology Centre, as I hope to contribute to the project of developing 'a better politics of crime'. 

[ZA] Law is a long-time passion for me, especially international law. I’m drawn to how countries created an international community and how it has both been a part of major history while also being shaped by the same history. I chose the BCL as a chance to go back to broad knowledge and principles at an advanced level, and it’s been exciting so far.

How has your experience of Keble College been?

[GW] I have loved my time at Keble! From the first week, I felt so incredibly welcomed. There is a great sense of community at Keble College, really fostering a sense of belonging for all students. There are so many social and academic events every week, providing plenty of opportunities to meet new people and try something new. The MCR are also incredibly active, and I particularly love the weekly Sunday brunches, where you can catch up with friends and relax ready for the week ahead. 

[ZA] Keble has been wonderful! For one, I love that I could recognise the main college building on sight. For another, the college community is made up of truly nice people, both students and staff, and it’s been lovely meeting everyone, especially at the HBAC [graduate centre] as well. There is also quite a large cohort for the BCL at Keble, so it makes a great automatic friend group.

What are your plans for the future?

[GW] I am keen to pursue a career in academia and I am currently in the process of applying to PhD programmes. I have really enjoyed my time on the MSc so far, and I am keen to continue my learning and (hopefully) contribute to the field! My time as a LawPAL and the inspiration of my professors have motivated me to consider teaching and work towards a career in academia. I hope in the future that I can, in some way, help embolden other students like myself, who once believed their circumstances would present an insurmountable barrier to pursuing their dreams and living a happy and fulfilling life. 

[ZA] In the short term, I hope to work as an international lawyer dealing with international disputes and working across borders. Long term, I hope to work in international law policy making, especially in international organisations, and help make the international order work for everyone, especially those from the Global South.