Thursday, 03 July 2025
University of Nottingham undergraduate Amarachi Jessica Eze will be celebrated at the seventh annual Student Social Mobility Awards, which return to London’s prestigious Mansion House on 10 July 2025, for overcoming adversity and achieving exceptional accomplishments in their studies and beyond.
Amarachi, who is studying Industrial Economics, has been shortlisted for the ‘Professional Services and Consulting Sector’ award. This prize recognises outstanding achievement in pursuing a future career in Professional Services and Consulting, while at university.
When asked what it would mean to win, Amarachi said: “Winning at the 2025 Student Social Mobility Awards would be incredibly meaningful to me and everyone who has supported me along my journey. Growing up in a low-income household, there were countless times when success felt out of reach – not because I lacked ambition, but because I didn’t have the tools, networks, or confidence to see myself in certain spaces.
It often felt industries like finance and consulting were reserved for people from particular schools or backgrounds, and I questioned whether someone like me truly belonged. Every step of my journey has been about pushing past those barriers and proving – to myself more than anyone – that I’m capable.”
Amarachi faced a number of barriers when entering higher education. She moved to the UK at 12 years of age as a first-generation immigrant, with limited English and no clear idea of the career paths available to her. Coming from a working-class, low-income background and being the first in her family to attend university, she navigated higher education without the support and networks readily available to others.
She added: “My advice to someone studying at a state school facing similar socio-economic challenges, would be this: don’t let your environment define your potential. I know what it feels like to look around and not see many people in the careers you dream of, or to feel like success is something reserved for others – but it isn’t. Your background may shape your journey, but it doesn’t set your limits.”
The issue of social mobility is persistent in the UK. Research from the Social Mobility Commission revealed that those who come from professional family backgrounds are six times more likely to enter professional jobs compared to those from working-class backgrounds. As the nation grapples with economic challenges, there are pressing concerns about the long-standing impacts of these socio-economic inequalities for the next generation.
The Student Social Mobility Awards showcase the incredible work being done by individuals and organisations to transform and promote social mobility across the UK. They recognise Sixth Form students and undergraduates who have overcome significant obstacles on their path to career success, while also honouring schools, teachers, mentors, employers and universities for their initiatives and broader commitments to championing social mobility and inspiring others to succeed.
The nominated students have managed to accomplish incredible achievements despite facing numerous socio-economic challenges, such as balancing multiple responsibilities outside of their studies, limited professional networks and living in areas with low job prospects. Notably, 76 per cent of nominees represent the first in their families to go into higher education and 68 per cent were eligible for free school meals. 27 per cent have had caregiving responsibilities, 6 per cent have previously been in care and 8 per cent are estranged from their families. This year has seen a record number of nominations with 227 nominees across hailing from 44 universities.
Amarachi’s academic tutor, Dr Mo Tian, said
Amarachi set a clear academic and career goal to specialise in finance and consultancy from our very first meeting. It’s fantastic to see her achievements being recognised, and I wish her continued success and growth in her journey ahead.”
upReach, the social mobility charity behind the SSMAs, is a charity that supports undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds to access and sustain top graduate jobs. They provide personalised 1-to-1 support to 3,000 students from across the UK. upReach created the Student Social Mobility Awards to celebrate the outstanding achievements of undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and to celebrate the incredible work being done by individuals and organisations to transform social mobility in the UK.
This year’s awards will be judged by an exciting panel of judges. This includes Gogglebox star Baasit Siddiqui, also known for his experience as an educator, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, as well as April McMahon, University of Manchester’s Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students. Their insights and knowledge will be invaluable and make this year’s awards truly exceptional.
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 97 in the world and 17th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the third most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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