Jennifer Awirigwe, Manchester AMBS MBA Class of 2028
Age: 31
Hometown: Nigeria
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Imo State University Owerri, Accountancy
Pre-MBA Work Experience: FinTribe, Lagos, Nigeria (Financial services), Founder/CEO 2021; Afrinvest Asset Management, Lagos, Nigeria (Asset Management), Head, Liquidity Management, 2025 – 2026; PlutusNeo by Afrinvest, Lagos, Nigeria (Fintech), Head, Investment Treasury and Operations, 2022 – 2025; Afrinvest Securities Limited, Lagos, Nigeria (Brokerage), Investment Analyst , 2021 – 2022; Orange Group, Lagos, Nigeria (FMCG), Treasury Accountant, 2018 – 2021
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
FinTribe, the financial education and wealth-building platform I founded for African women, has grown significantly from where I started it. I’ve realised that taking it to the next level will require more than what got us here. I want to build the right systems and institutional structure to scale responsibly, and, just as importantly, become the leader that the next stage of the business needs.
So, for me, the MBA is less about starting something new and more about preparing myself and FinTribe for what comes next. The timing felt right because I’m at a point where the decisions I make as a leader will have a much bigger impact on the organisation.
Why did you choose Manchester AMBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I interviewed with three great schools and got offers from all three, so the decision really came down to fit. From my very first interaction, the AMBS team was warm, responsive, and made me feel genuinely wanted, not just accepted. That mattered to me.
I was also drawn to how hands-on and practical the programme is. As someone already running a business, I didn’t want theory for theory’s sake. I wanted to be pushed to apply what I’m learning in real time. And as a woman in finance, being awarded the Forté Fellowship through AMBS was another meaningful part of that decision.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
I bring the perspective of someone who has built a financial platform from the ground up for everyday African women. I’m not coming in with just theory about financial inclusion. I’ve lived it, built it, and made mistakes learning it in real time. I also bring a communication instinct that is not always common in finance. Years of breaking down complex financial concepts for people who aren’t finance experts, and reaching over a million people through my platforms, have taught me how to explain things simply and connect with different audiences. That mix of finance, entrepreneurship and communication is what I’ll bring into the classroom and the cohort.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
For someone whose career is about building community, I enjoy solo trips a little too much. Give me a new city, no itinerary and I’m genuinely happy.
Post-MBA career interests:
My focus is scaling FinTribe, taking it from where it is today to a stronger, more structured institution serving even more women across Africa and beyond, with the systems and funding strategy to grow sustainably. I also want to deepen FinTribe’s role in conversations around financial inclusion and women’s economic empowerment, building on the partnerships we’ve already developed with institutions and policymakers.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Speak to current students and alumni of the schools you’re considering. They can give you insights you simply won’t find through online research.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would probably apply earlier. The process takes more time than you expect, especially when you’re balancing it with a full-time job, so giving myself more time would have made the process less stressful.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The waiting after interviews. Once you’ve done everything you can, there’s not much left to do but wait and try not to overthink every answer you gave. Staying focused on work and reminding myself that I had done my best helped.
What is your initial impression of the Manchester AMBS students/culture/community?
My first thought on Day 1 was, “I’m in the right place.” Everyone has been so warm and welcoming, from the AMBS team to the students. There’s a real sense of “we” rather than “I” in the cohort. People are genuinely looking out for each other, and that has been one of my favourite things so far.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m still settling in, but I’m definitely looking forward to joining the MEC Female Founders Network. As a founder myself, I’m excited to connect with other women building businesses, learn from their experiences and share some of my own.
What is one thing you have learned about Manchester AMBS that has surprised you?
I was surprised by how quickly we were thrown into a project. From week one, we were already working together and learning by doing. Someone described it as the “pull learning” method, and it really captures the practical approach at Manchester.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to learn things I can take straight back to FinTribe. I’m particularly looking forward to the projects, conversations and different perspectives that will push how I think about building and scaling a business.
