Leicester law graduate sets up 'deeply personal' £6,000 award

Daniel Adebayo said his time at university was 'transformative'
-Credit: (Image: University of Leicester)


A former university student has established a new £6,000 award to support Black and Mixed heritage students. Daniel Adebayo, a graduate from the University of Leicester Law School, said the award was “deeply personal”.

The embRACE award will support one applicant with Black and Mixed heritage from a socio-economically challenged background. The successful applicant will receive £2,000 per year during a three-year degree course.

The award is courtesy of support from Race Forward, a community interest company founded by Daniel. He said: “Establishing this award is deeply personal to me. It is a full-circle moment, transforming the financial challenges I encountered into an opportunity for others to thrive.

READ MORE: Stephen Webb: Urgent appeal launched after dad and teacher diagnosed with 'aggressive' brain tumour

“Knowing that I can support someone's success story and create a legacy that I hope will inspire future generations is incredibly fulfilling.” Daniel, who graduated in 2020, is now a compliance officer at a London-based fintech company and a school governor at his former secondary school.

Daniel said his time at university was “transformative”. He said: “I had the opportunity to study in Singapore for a year, to join the Law and Pro Bono societies, and become a peer mentor amongst other things.

“Back when I was completing my year abroad in Singapore as part of my Law degree, I saw Stormzy launch his academic award, and this has fuelled my desire to also positively impact the Black community.

“Leicester holds a special place in my heart. It is not only an institution which enabled me to graduate with a First-Class in Law, but also a deeper understanding of who I am and what I can contribute to the world.

Daniel, is now a compliance officer at a London company
Daniel, is now a compliance officer at a London company -Credit:University of Leicester

“I want to give back to a place that has shaped me, while also contributing to the university’s efforts to become a more inclusive and supportive space for Black and Mixed Heritage students. The challenges I faced pushed me to persevere, and I left Leicester with a deep sense of resilience and purpose.

“This award is my way of ensuring future students can navigate those challenges with more support.” A spokesperson for the University of Leicester said: “Black and Mixed Heritage students often face unique challenges in education, from financial hurdles to a lack of representation.

“By providing targeted support, Race Forward CIC is helping to level the playing field, ensuring that talented students are not held back by circumstances beyond their control. This award is a small but significant step toward equity and empowerment in higher education and society more broadly.”

We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first