'Nothing is impossible' says graduate refugee

Abdullahi Abdi said the achievement had made all his "difficulties and sacrifices" worthwhile

A Somali refugee who earned a degree while juggling shifts as an Uber driver wants others in his position to know "nothing is impossible".

Abdullahi Abdi, 46, graduated with a 2:1 in social policy from the University of Bristol last summer, more than 15 years after arriving in the UK.

He said he had been inspired by his late brother - the first in his family to attend university - who was killed in a terrorist attack in Somalia shortly after graduating.

"Even if things aren't heading in the right direction or no matter what the barrier is, there's always a way," said Mr Abdi.

Mr Abdi has worked as a taxi driver, a carer and in a warehouse since arriving in England

In addition to taxi driving, Mr Abdi has worked in a warehouse and as a carer, which prompted him to study for a social policy degree.

"There weren't that many options available for me [when I first arrived], as my English was limited and I had family commitments," he said.

Mr Abdi was able to take a one-year foundation course at the university, aimed at people with no formal qualifications to prepare them for a bachelor's degree.

"My course was empowering - all aspects of it," he said.

"Seeing that you are part of a great institution like the University of Bristol, that's not something that happens every day."

'Fitting tribute'

According to the United Nations (UN), just 7% of those from a refugee background globally go to university, compared to 38-40% of the general population.

The UN has set a target of raising this to 15% by 2030.

"If you think it's impossible, I am proof that nothing is impossible," Mr Abdi continued.

"My family are all incredibly proud and my brother would also have been thrilled, because he really encouraged me.

"It was such an amazing feeling that made all the difficulties and sacrifices over four years worthwhile."

"It's a fitting tribute to my brother, whose great potential was cut short," he added.

Holly Rooke is the co-author of a report looking into the challenges faced by refugees trying to get into higher education

Mr Abdi, who lives in Gloucester, is set to share his personal story at the launch of a report highlighting the challenges refugees face in accessing higher education.

The report, being launched at the University of Bristol, draws on the experiences of 38 refugees studying in the south west.

Co-author Holly Rooke said there was a "huge level of motivation" among refugee communities.

"Many of the people from refugee backgrounds who enter university already speak multiple languages," she said.

"It is about drawing on that wealth of experience and skills in a really positive way."

Mr Abdi is now tutoring others who are embarking on the same degree pathway he took.