Student story Victoria Alabi

“My interest in development and rural Innovation stem from my background in Agricultural Administration and my desire to be part of community-driven change. I work closely with farmers in my home country, Nigeria and I observed firsthand the challenges they faced: limited access to resources, lack of information, and systemic inequalities. This made me want to contribute to solutions that genuinely improve people’s lives. Choosing this MSc study felt like the right path because it combines my passion for agriculture with my commitment to creating meaningful impact in rural communities.”

“Since childhood, I have had a deep interest in agriculture and engaging in community change. My father was a subsistence farmer, and I supported him on the farm in every way I could. Being on that small piece of land, I witnessed the everyday struggles farmers in my community faced, poor soil, lack of inputs, limited market access, and no real support system. These experiences didn’t only shape my interest; they fuelled a kind of frustration in me about how little support farmers received and how much potential was going to waste. This motivated me to pursue education, which was a significant milestone because I became the first generation in my family to graduate. My undergraduate studies helped me begin contributing in practical ways, especially by helping farmers make better use of their inputs and reduce post-harvest losses. These early interactions with farming communities made my choice to study Development and Rural Innovation feel both personal and necessary.”

“When I was searching for opportunities to study outside my country, WUR immediately stood out to me. It is one of the most prestigious universities in Europe, and the Development and Rural Innovation programme felt like a perfect fit. After researching the study, I was drawn to how much value it places on students’ personal growth, critical thinking, and real-world engagement. I was especially attracted to the Rural Sociology group, which was my first study choice, and the way the programme encourages students to question assumptions and explore new perspectives. The opportunity to travel to another country for a research practical also appealed to me, it felt like a chance to learn directly from different communities and contexts.

One thing I appreciate deeply is the culture of reflection embedded in each course. It was the first time I encountered such structured reflection, and it helped me grow academically and personally. If I have to mention what is less fun, I would say the intensity of the workload at times. It can be demanding, but I also recognise that it pushes me to improve and become more resilient.”

“I am genuinely enthusiastic about the possibility of working across diverse fields, development, policy, communication, innovation, and rural transformation. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme excites me because it allows me to connect my background in agriculture with broader social issues and real-world solutions.

Studying in Wageningen has been one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve made. I chose WUR because of its strong global reputation in development, agriculture, and sustainability. But beyond the academics, what truly appealed to me was the cultural diversity. I love how beautifully international WUR is, meeting people from different countries, backgrounds, and perspectives has been inspiring. The environment is friendly, supportive, and sincere. People are genuinely open, and that made it easier for me to feel welcomed and included. Overall, my experience so far has been rich, eye-opening, and deeply rewarding.”

“I appreciate WUR’s commitment to impact-driven education. The university encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and community engagement. I value how approachable the lecturers are and how much emphasis is placed on personal development, reflection, and connecting theory to real-life challenges. The sense of community, inside and outside the classroom is something I truly love.

My biggest challenge at first was adapting to the weather. The cold and darkness were very different from what I was used to, and it took some time for my body and mind to adjust. But with time, I adapted, and now it feels more manageable. Another small challenge was adjusting to the learning style, which is very independent and reflective. But over time, I grew to appreciate it because it helped me become more confident and intentional in my learning.”

“In my spare time, you will often find me playing volleyball with friends at the Bongerd sports centre. I also enjoy taking long walks or bike rides around the campus and the arboretum, it’s peaceful and helps me clear my mind. I try to participate in as many student events as possible. The Student Service Centre organises activities like yoga, meditation, and even silent walks in the forest, and I attend whenever I can. I also enjoy events hosted by ISOW and the UCAS community, such as movie nights and potlucks at the Global Lounge. These events are always amazing because I get to meet new friends, connect with people from different cultures, and exchange interesting ideas.

I really like that Wageningen is a quiet, green, and cozy place. It feels very student-friendly and safe, which makes living and studying here comfortable. The population is mostly young people, and that matches my energy well. It’s easy to approach others without feeling nervous, because the atmosphere is open and welcoming. And of course, we plan a lot of fun activities and parties that keep us happy and help us make the most of our time here. The balance between calmness and lively student life is something I truly enjoy.”

“What makes me feel most at home in Wageningen is the ability to still enjoy my African food. There are stores where I can buy ingredients that remind me of home, and that brings me so much comfort. The warm community and multicultural environment also help me feel like I truly belong here. The United Community of African Students at WUR is amazing, everyone is so kind and supportive that I rarely ever feel lonely. And the Dutch culture is beautiful in its own way; my Dutch friends have become my closest comforters on days when I feel overwhelmed or homesick. All these little things together make Wageningen feel like a home away from home.”

“I hope to contribute to building a world where food insecurity is greatly reduced and where innovative agricultural solutions can thrive. I am particularly passionate about increasing youth inclusion in agriculture. The sector is still dominated by older generations, and I believe this trend needs to change. I want to help make agriculture more appealing, accessible, and empowering for young people. Through my studies, I am acquiring the knowledge and skills to promote agricultural transformation by supporting rural communities, advancing gender equity, encouraging peaceful development, and driving positive change, especially in regions where it is most needed.”

“I see myself working with international organisations such as the FAO, UN, UNICEF, I am already exploring opportunities there as an intern and  also as a junior project manager. I’m also open to working with large NGOs where I can lead impactful projects and contribute to sustainable development opportunity.

One major issue is the persistent inequality in access to food, resources, and opportunities. I believe that the knowledge and skills from my studies can help support initiatives that promote peace, empower communities, and create a more just global food system.

I plan to work as a project manager in the development or agricultural sector. I’m also interested in venturing into agriculture on a larger scale, using innovation to drive meaningful change. I want to help reduce food insecurity and inspire new ideas and innovations that can make the world a better, more sustainable place for everyone.

“One of the most important things I would advise is to research the course thoroughly before applying. Read the official website, course descriptions, and module contents carefully. This will give you a realistic understanding of what the programme involves, what skills you will gain, and whether it aligns with your personal and professional goals. Don’t just rely on the course title; look at the learning outcomes, and the opportunities for practical experience, such as fieldwork, internships, or international research. I also recommend speaking to current or former students of the programme if possible. They can share insights that you won’t find on the website, what the workload is like, how interactive the classes are, and what opportunities for growth exist outside the classroom. And finally, choose a programme that excites you and where you can imagine yourself thriving, not just academically but personally. If you are passionate about what you study, you will engage more, learn more, and build skills that truly prepare you for your future.”