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Data scientist Tawakalit Agboola signed up for two master’s degrees at the same time in 2024, which was overwhelming by itself. Then she found out she was pregnant.

Despite the challenges, she finished both degrees. Tawakalit, a Nigerian living in the United Kingdom, is one of eight women in our newest graduating class who gave birth during the Master of Science in Financial Engineering program.

Tawakalit also completed WorldQuant University's Data Science Lab in 2023 and volunteers as a Global Alumni Ambassador. Read her inspiring story, which she shares in a LinkedIn post:

A Moment of Gratitude

Yesterday, I received my Master of Science in Financial Engineering certificate from WorldQuant University, and I just sat there looking at it.
 
I started this program in 2024 while pursuing my Master of Science in Data Science at The Manchester Metropolitan University.
 
I remember telling myself, “It’s just another program. I just need to read, stay committed, and pass.”
 
Little did I know what I had signed up for.
 
Studying for two master’s degrees at the same time was overwhelming, mentally draining, and one of the hardest things I have ever done.
 
There were times when assessments for both programs were due in the same week. I would leave the house just to find somewhere quiet to study, sometimes in the park, sometimes in a café, because I needed a space where I could focus.
 
At one point, I even requested a break from the program so I could concentrate on my dissertation.
 
Then came 2025.
 
I was pregnant, dealing with morning sickness, yet still trying to complete assessments.
 
After I gave birth, just a week later, I was back attending group meetings and completing quizzes.
 
There were moments when I genuinely thought about dropping out.
 
But every time, I reminded myself, “I’ve come too far to quit now.”
 
Becoming a new mum while studying, raising a newborn, managing deadlines, and trying to keep up with life ... I still don’t know how I got through those days.
 
Looking back now, I just want to pat myself on the back and say, well done.
 
When I saw this certificate yesterday, I smiled.
 
It was worth every late night, every sacrifice, every moment of doubt.
 
To WorldQuant University, thank you for designing a program that challenged me far beyond technical knowledge. I didn’t just earn a degree, I gained the opportunity to collaborate with talented people from different countries and backgrounds, strengthened my communication skills, and learned the value of resilience and perseverance.
 
I’m equally grateful to The Manchester Metropolitan University, where I was simultaneously pursuing my Master of Science in Data Science. Balancing both programs wasn’t easy, but together they shaped the researcher and lifelong learner I am becoming.
 
Alhamdulillah for every challenge and every blessing along the way.