My name is Madiha Philo, I am 34 years old born and raised in the district of Anse Etoile. I attended creche and primary level studies at AE and I went to secondary school at English River. After completing S5, I attended School of Advanced Level Studies (2008/2009) and thereafter started working with the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) as a Journalist in 2010. I spent 5 wonderful years with SBC until I took the decision to further my education by pursuing a degree. In September 2015, I was enrolled on the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with International Business programme with Unisey, through a government scholarship as a full-time student. I graduated with a First-Class Honours Degree in 2018 as one of the best academic performers in my specialisation across the University of London 2015/2018 Cohort. In addition, I also received special recognition for obtaining the highest score in the European Business module in my cohort.
2. What happened after you graduated at the University of Seychelles, for example, did you go for further studies? What is your current role right now, if you’re working?
In recognition for my outstanding academic performance at UniSey, I was awarded with a second scholarship sponsored by the government to pursue graduate studies. In September 2019, I travelled to Malaysia for a year to pursue a Master of Science in Business Strategy, Leadership and Change with the Heriot Watt University Malaysia (HWUM). I completed my studies during the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic and came back to Seychelles in October 2020. At that time, I worked with the Ministry for Agriculture and Fisheries which soon after changed to Fisheries and Blue Economy, as a Public Relations Manager. Wanting a little bit more of a challenge, I got an opportunity to move in Corporate Banking in 2022 with the Seychelles Commercial Bank (SCB). I worked as a Senior Bank Officer in the Corporate and SME Business Loans department until July 2025, when I left to pursue my second Master’s.
Earlier this year, I was awarded with the Fulbright Scholarship under the Fulbright Foreign Exchange Programme 2025/2026 that is fully sponsored by the United States Government. I am currently in the United States of America, following a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship with the University of Florida for one year as a full-time student.
3. How has your education at UniSey impacted your career or personal life?
My education has opened so many doors for me and it all started with UniSey. Leaving full time employment to pursue my first degree was the best decision I made in my life thus far despite the sacrifices I had to make. My education has taken me in different corners of the world to which I am truly grateful.
4. What advice would you give to current or perspective students? Can you share a piece of advice or a quote that inspires you?
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- Figure out what you want to do and just do it.
- A degree will only take you so far in life; you have to work hard, work smart and most importantly network and know the right people to take you to the next level.
- Earning a degree is not the only path to success; find your passion and turn it into a business. Be the employer and not the employee.
- Be humble and treat people with respect.
5. Tell us something unique about yourself (what do you like doing) e.g. travelling, sports, if you like pineapple on your pizza, etc…?
I love to travel and experience the beauty of life. Travelling exposes you to different cultures, people and things that can change your life for the better. I also enjoy hiking. I joined a hash group last year and it is an amazing way to discover the untouched parts of Mahe.