UNIC and Coinbase announce awardees of their scholarship programme for minority professionals 

Adalbert De La Cruz, USA

“I want to be part of the pioneering innovation of cryptocurrency and blockchain. I chose the specific MSc programme because I want to immerse myself with leading blockchain enthusiasts and learn from the best. Researching what would be the best programme for me I was impressed by the many courses and electives provided by the UNIC MSc. The University of Nicosia is a fit for me because it is one of the first few universities offering an in-depth curriculum that will provide the tools to succeed. I am grateful to be granted this Coinbase scholarship, it will allow me to grow in my career path in Web3 and expand my skills. I look forward to learning from the best.”

Mariia Sholokhova, Russia

“I have worked as a Legal Consultant for FinTech for the past two years, and now it is time to step up my game by receiving a profound academic education on the blockchain. I started my acquaintance with UNIC by completing the MOOC: BLOCK-511 Introduction to Blockchain and Digital Currencies. The well-structured study plan and knowledgeable professors assured me that UNIC is where I want to pursue my studies. Becoming a recipient of the Coinbase scholarship is an honour and a lifetime opportunity for me. I believe in the future of digital currencies as an instrument for financial inclusion, and I want to help to make this come true.”

Ashley Kualii, USA

“After being introduced to blockchain technology, I immersed myself in all aspects of Web3, blockchain, and digital currencies. I currently work for a regenerative protocol to address the energy consumption of blockchain technology. The University of Nicosia’s prolific academic quality, unmatched student community, future employment opportunities, professional development, and available scholarships are just a few reasons why I elected to apply for its MSc programme. Having been selected as one of the Coinbase scholarship recipients, no words can describe the gratitude that I feel for the opportunity to learn, develop, and promote the technological wave of the future.”

Hakeem Orowole, Nigeria

“It is a great privilege for me to be among the awardees of the Coinbase scholarship. I am also happy that I have the opportunity to study at the University of Nicosia, which is one of the leading contributors to the rise of blockchain technology. My ambition to increase my blockchain knowledge and formally contribute to the blockchain space has been the leading force for me in getting a Master’s degree in Blockchain and Digital Currency at UNIC. I am looking forward to the knowledge I will be gaining from the leaders in the blockchain space. I am also looking forward to the discussions I will have with people who share similar interests from various parts of the world.”

Liz Bacelar, USA

“Blockchain adoption is continuously accelerating as regulation becomes more defined and security issues are addressed. With UNIC’s comprehensive curriculum, I want to deepen my studies in this space so I can help lead our business transformation. I’m delighted that Coinbase is investing in empowering diverse voices to lead in this space. I’m grateful for the scholarship and I’m determined to contribute to empowering other women into broadening their horizons and deepening their knowledge in Web3 technologies.”

Joanna Rindell, Finland

“I chose the UNIC MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency because of the leading industry experts teaching and the high quality and relevance of the courses offered. I feel honoured to have been selected among the recipients of the Coinbase Scholarship and very thankful for the opportunity it gives me to develop my professional skills further as a legal professional in the field of blockchain technology. I hope to be able to use my education from this MSc to work towards achieving clearer regulation that will support development and adoption of blockchain technology further. “

Oluwaseyi Taiwo, Nigeria

“I discovered the amazing connection between Fintech and blockchain technology most especially in the popularity of cryptocurrency in Africa by the year 2020. I aim to understand how blockchain technology and digital currency can be harmonised with traditional finance with the hope of becoming a major player in the field in the nearest future. One beautiful thing about the University of Nicosia is the depth of the topics covered by the course, it seems not to leave anything behind; and the fact that it offers an online module for those who could not migrate to Cyprus is amazing. Being a first-generation university graduate from Africa, participating in this type of quality course is a great opportunity which gives me confidence about my future.”

Maria Kindyni, Cyprus

“It is a great honour to be chosen by an industry leader like Coinbase for this unique scholarship as well as being the first Cypriot student to be funded by Coinbase. The fact that the scholar is paired with a mentor at Coinbase, offers me a great chance to learn from someone already in the industry and to gain valuable insight professionally as I navigate my journey in crypto. As the COVID-19 crisis demonstrated, developing resilience to respond to quick, unexpected change is critical to resolving some of the most pressing challenges and identifying new opportunities for improvement. This gives me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge and make a difference in the sector. I have chosen the University of Nicosia MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency as the most prestigious, relevant to my interests and the world’s first and leading master’s degree in the field. I am proud and grateful for this opportunity.”

Aila Obiocha, Nigeria

“As a black woman in crypto, winning the Coinbase full Scholarship for Minority Professionals is a lifetime opportunity. The crypto ecosystem in the Middle East is nascent, compared to the West. But there is a steady awakening, an intensifying consciousness. Crypto’s potential to transform finance and commerce in Africa (where I am from) and in the Middle East (where I live) will be nothing short of a technological and economic revolution, when true mass adoption happens. Already, Africans can finally participate in the full spectrum of economic activity – as savers and investors, not just consumers and producers. Through my studies at UNIC and with ongoing support from my Coinbase mentor, I look forward to progressing the frontiers of financial democracy, one block at a time. There are simply no words to express my thanks to Coinbase for this full scholarship to study the MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency at UNIC.”

Sandra Vucevic, Montenegro

“I chose the MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency degree at UNIC as it is the best programme in the field, offering a flexible but highly specialised curriculum. The programme will help me fill the gap between technical and entrepreneurial skills to progress further with my academic research and business ventures in the area of blockchain. I am excited about being surrounded by the leading experts and innovators in the space, and peers who will inspire and challenge me. It is a great honour to be a Coinbase scholar. The scholarship is a great way to demonstrate that Coinbase genuinely cares about minorities and females in the industry. Education is a stepping stone for women’s empowerment.”

Victoria Ejumegu, Nigeria

“I decided to apply because of how quickly technology is developing and how it is gradually replacing traditional financial services. My earlier education in finance and banking served as the seed for my love. I decided on the University of Nicosia since it is the best university for blockchain studies and a stunning, well-respected organisation. I am most appreciative because I get to study from the best resources and instructors as well as engage with brilliant people from all around the world. This means a lot to me because it inspires me to continue adding value to my community and the wider world.”

Carlo Schiavon Ceja, Mexico

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the best teachers available in the field globally in an international environment. There are currently few universities offering formal knowledge on the subject and the University of Nicosia is at the top of the list. Institutions and organisations will soon begin to request experts on the subject.  One of the motivations to study this master’s degree is the growth and opportunity that blockchain currently represents. Being a very new technology, it has the potential to be the biggest change in the economic and financial system as we know it and like all changes and evolutions it is an incredible investment opportunity and more than that, it is a great opportunity to achieve unprecedented progress.”

Malanga Mposha, Zambia

“I chose to apply to the UNIC MSc Blockchain and Digital Currency programme because it was one of the top institutions offering this type of degree and it was highly connected to a lot of prominent figures within the blockchain space. The programme would also allow me to network with alumni and potential colleagues who share the same passion as I do. Having grown up in Zambia for most of my life and now living/working full time in Canada, I have been on both sides of the financial system and I believe blockchain and digital currency could help in closing the gap between the banked and the unbanked. I was thrilled when I heard I was one of the recipients of the Coinbase scholarship. Receiving this scholarship means I get to spend my energy on learning as much as I can within the programme and will do my best to give back to the community by educating other new entrants in the space.”

Josephine Mbatha, Kenya

“In 2021, I enrolled in two MOOCs offered by the University of Nicosia. Upon their completion and having attained very high grades, I was more than convinced that I wanted to gain as much knowledge as possible in blockchain technology and gain a deep understanding of its capabilities, use cases and practical application. I want to champion blockchain by being an effective ambassador who is knowledgeable and this scholarship opens that door for me to acquire the knowledge from an authority, University of Nicosia. I hope that if I can inspire the change that I want to make, I can leave a legacy that will continue to influence and shape the future of the society.”

Raul Yazdani, Argentina

“I am very excited and honoured to be receiving the Coinbase Scholarship. Ever since I learned about crypto and its applications I have embarked on a never-ending journey to solving world problems. When my dear friend and crypto influencer, Alberto Guerrero Montilla told me about the MSc programme offered by the University of Nicosia, I did not hesitate to apply. I viewed this as an opportunity to expand my knowledge and network within the crypto space worldwide. My goal is to expand this technology and use it to eradicate poverty around the world. I know that this is possible because I have seen crypto changing lives from a firsthand perspective.”