Rhodes Trust National Secretary for Zambia, DR. NAMUKALE CHINTU announces DR. MAARIYAH DESAI from the University of Zambia and MR. LUYANDO LINYAMA from ZCAS University have won the prestigious Rhodes Scholarships for Zambia this year. The Scholars-Elect will be heading to the University of Oxford in October 2027 to join a cohort of more than

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Rhodes Trust National Secretary for Zambia, DR. NAMUKALE CHINTU announces DR. MAARIYAH DESAI from the University of Zambia and MR. LUYANDO LINYAMA from ZCAS University have won the prestigious Rhodes Scholarships for Zambia this year.

The Scholars-Elect will be heading to the University of Oxford in October 2027 to join a cohort of more than a hundred Scholars from around the world to undertake post-graduate studies and become part of a strong community of people determined to make a positive difference in the world.

The Rhodes Scholarship is the world’s preeminent and oldest graduate fellowship, based at the University of Oxford since 1903. Scholarships for Zambia began in 1976 and areawarded to 2 outstanding applicants each year. Many students who apply for a Rhodes Scholarship find that taking part in our rigorous selection is a profoundly positive experience which leaves them well placed to go on to a Rhodes Scholarship or other opportunities worldwide.

On October 29th, LUYANDO and MAARIYAH reached the end of a rigorous selection process that targets young people with not only proven academic excellence, have the energy to use their talents to the full, instincts to lead and a demonstrated commitment to address humanity’s challenges, a key qualities that all Rhodes scholars must possess. The Scholarship finalists were invited to a cocktail event at the InterContinental hotel in Lusaka followed by interviews with renowned experts and leaders in diverse fields the following day.

CHRYSTIA FREELAND, WARDEN AND CEO OF THE RHODES TRUST, said: “For more than a century, the Rhodes Trust has brought exceptional individuals to Oxford and fostered a vibrant global community. We are delighted to introduce the 2027 Class of Rhodes Scholars Elect who are exceptional young people with the energy and determination to effect real change. I look forward to meeting them and seeing the positive contributions they will make.”

DEPUTY NATIONAL SECRETARY (SELECTION) ZAMBIA, DR. ROY MOOBOLA, said: The true measure of a Rhodes Scholarship is not simply what a Scholar achieves at Oxford, but what they go on to contribute to society. We hope that our Scholars will use the knowledge, experience and networks they gain at Oxford to make meaningful contributions to Zambia’s development in which ever field they choose to serve.

Rhodes Scholars form a lifelong community of people in many fields and careers, united by a commitment to having a positive impact on the world. Scholars from Zambia have gone on to pursue careers ranging from Engineering, Economics, History, Politics, Finance, Medicine, Artificial Intelligence, Physics, Law and Environmental Studies, to name a few. The late Dr. Wilkinson Kunda from the University of Zambia was the first male recipient and the late human rights advocate Ms Lucy Sichone was the first female recipient in 1978. Her portrait is the first female portrait to be hung at Rhodes House at the University of Oxford.

Other notable Zambian Rhodes Scholars include Mr. Chisanga Puta Chekwe, former deputy minister in the Canadian government and founder of the Masomo educational foundation; former Zambian ministers of finance, Dr. Bwalya Ng’andu and late Mr. Remmy Mushota; Professor Oliver Saasa, Chairman of ZANACO; Professor Kenneth Mwenda of the World Bank in Washington; Mr. Elias Chipimo, former president of the National Restoration Party; Mr. Sebastian Kopulande, former CEO of the Zambian International Trade and Investment Centre; Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa, historian and political analyst, Ms Monde Muyangwa of USAID in Washington, Dr. Samuel Maimbo, Vice President at the World Bank in Washington, Dr. Cornelius Namiluko of Goldman Sachs and Mr. Arnold Kaluba, the youngest President of the Law Association of Zambia.

Speaking on behalf of the MINISTRY OF EDUCATION at the finalist reception event, PERMANENT SECRETARY DR KELVIN MAMBWE reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to ensure that Zambian graduates are internationally competitive. He stated, “As part of the Grow Zambia Agenda, the government is committed to widening access education acrossthe country through the establishment of a University in each province”.

At the same event, the UNITED KINGDOM’S HIGH COMMISSIONER TO ZAMBIA, MS REBECCA TERZEON reaffirmed the UK’s support to Zambian higher education through local projects and the provision of Chevening and other Scholarships for Zambians to study in the UK. She highlighted the strength of educational ties between the UK and Zambia, citing having met several UK educated professionals and leaders in all parts of the country.

THE LORD MAYOR OF THE CITY OF OXFORD IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, CLLR CHEWE MUNKONGE graced the reception and gave an inspiring account of his journey from Kasama in Zambia to becoming the Lord Mayor of one of the UK’s famous and historical cities. He encouraged the finalists to not limit their ambitions and networks as they have the raw ingredients it takes to succeed in their chosen fields.

Mr. Luyando Linyama, 2027 Rhodes Scholar Elect

Dr. Maariyah Desai, 2027 Rhodes Scholar Elect

Maariyah and Luyando shared their stories of why they think they captured the hearts and minds of the Selection Committee.

Dr. Maariyah Sajid Desai is a Zambian medical doctor and award-winning clinical researcher who recently completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at the University of Zambia (UNZA). She hopes to pursue the MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine at the University of Oxford, where she intends to deepen her understanding of global health systems, research and policy, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Maariyah’s academic journey began at LICEF School, where she completed her Cambridge IGCSE O’ Level examinations in 2019. Consistently among the top-performing students in her class, she demonstrated an early interest in science, creativity and leadership. She participated in the national Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (JETS) Fair, where she won second prize nationally for a project exploring water filtration using different varieties of maize. She also received national recognition for poetry at the Agricultural and Commercial Society of Zambia (ACSZ) Show, with an award presented by former South African President Jacob Zuma. She held several student leadership positions, including prefect, Deputy Head Girl and Head Girl, and received numerous awards in public-speaking competitions.

In January 2020, at the age of 17, she entered the University of Zambia to pursue medicine. As part of a cohort whose university experience was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, she navigated the challenges of medical training during an unprecedented period of uncertainty. Throughout her studies, she remained committed to academic excellence and was recognised as the Best Female Graduating Student in BSc Human Biology and Best Student in Pathology in 2024.

Her interest in women’s reproductive health grew from an awareness of gaps in knowledge, diagnosis and care experienced by women in Zambia. Motivated to better understand these challenges, she undertook qualitative research exploring the experiences of women living with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) and the perspectives of healthcare professionals in Lusaka. The study examined barriers to diagnosis and treatment, disparities in access to healthcare and opportunities to improve patient-centred care.

Her research was supported by competitive grants from 1DayAfrica and YES Zambia. It received recognition at the UNZAMEDSA Annual General Meeting, where she won first place for Best Abstract and second place for Best Research Idea. Her first-author manuscript was subsequently published in the Medical Journal of Zambia in September 2026, contributing to the limited body of locally published research on the condition.

Beyond her independent research, Maariyah has contributed to female reproductive health initiatives as a research assistant and peer navigator in the TwySHE mHealth app intervention, a collaboration involving the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. She has also served as Secretary General of the University of Zambia Medical Students’ Association (UNZAMEDSA), participated in community initiatives through Daisy Care Zambia and worked as a medical student tutor at the University of Zambia as Chief Academic Assistant, supporting fellow students in their academic development.

As a Muslim Zambian woman and the only female amongst 7 finalists this year, Maariyah is conscious of the significance of representation and the opportunities her achievement may create for others. She hopes her journey will encourage young girls, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to dream boldly, pursue their ambitions and recognise that their backgrounds need not limit their aspirations. For her, the Rhodes Scholarship is not only a personal milestone, but also an opportunity to inspire others to envision possibilities they may never have thought attainable and to believe that they, too, belong in spaces where they can learn, lead and make a difference.

The Rhodes Scholarship represents an opportunity for Maariyah to build on her experiences and develop the knowledge and skills to contribute to Zambia’s healthcare landscape. She hopes to explore how research and evidence can inform health policy and practice, and how global health approaches can be adapted to resource-limited settings.

Looking ahead, Maariyah aspires to specialise in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, combining clinical practice with research and health systems engagement. Her long-term ambition is to strengthen women’s reproductive healthcare in Zambia through improved access to services, greater research capacity and more equitable, evidence-based and patient-centred approaches to care.

Outside medicine and research, Maariyah enjoys exploring her creativity through arts and crafts, as well as running and strength training. She values continuous learning, personal growth and opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the communities around her. As a 2027 Rhodes Scholar-elect, she looks forward to the next chapter of her journey at the University of Oxford, carrying with her the experiences, aspirations and commitment to service that have shaped her path thus far.

Mr. Luyando Sepiso Linyama is an Audit Associate 3 at EY Zambia, working across the firm’s Assurance, Risk Consulting and Data Intelligence Delivery departments.His journey reflects a commitment to intellectual curiosity, service, leadership and the belief that individual opportunities carry a responsibility to create opportunities for others.

Luyando’s professional journey began at Zambia National Building Society, where he gained practical exposure to banking operations, including credit evaluation, KYC evaluation and customer service. He subsequently joined EY Zambia, where his work has exposed him to audit, data delivery and risk consulting. Through his experience in Assurance and Risk Consulting, he has developed an appreciation for the role of financial reporting, internal controls, governance and risk management in strengthening businesses and institutions.

Luyando’s curiosity and interest in leadership took root during his years at Rhodes Park School, where he participated in the J.E.T.S, Wildlife and Young Farmers clubs and competed in the World Scholar’s Cup. He held multiple leadership positions in his tenure at the school such as Class Monitor, Class Councillor and the school’s Chief Librarian Prefect. In the library, he became familiar with the Dewey Decimal System and immersed himself in textbooks, often staying until 8 PM daily. These experiences nurtured his enthusiasm for learning and willingness to take on responsibilities beyond the classroom, laying the foundation for his continued pursuit of opportunities to contribute, lead and challenge himself.

His academic journey took him beyond Zambia to study Economics in China, where a different economic system, new friendships and Chinese culture broadened his understanding of the world. His academic work included a project exploring how public-private partnerships could help address Africa’s hydroelectric power challenges. When the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted his studies and prevented his return, he adapted and pursued a new path.

He subsequently enrolled at ZCAS University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance, graduating with Distinction as the best-performing student in his programme. His undergraduate dissertation examined financial inclusion among market traders in Zambia, reflecting his interest in understanding how access to financial services influences economic participation and opportunity. Beyond academics, he served as a class representative and as Projects Coordinator of the ZCAS Economics and Business Association, where he led the association’s projects and research committees. Alongside his work at EY Zambia, Luyando is pursuing the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification.

His Christian faith is central to how he understands leadership, service and personal responsibility. In 2025, he completed a two-year Diploma in Theological and Ministerial Studies at Rhema Bible Training Centre Zambia, graduating as part of the Rhema Zambia Class of 2025. His training covered biblical studies, Christian leadership, church history, team leadership and practical ministry development, further strengthening his desire to serve in different spheres of life.

Luyando’s commitment to service is reflected in the significant time he has dedicated to volunteering at his local church, where he has served across the Connection Groups, Finance and Children’s Departments, including as a Zone Leader and Lead Teacher. His work with children has involved developing lessons and curricula, planning programmes, coordinating volunteers and creating engaging learning experiences. Through this experience, Luyando has developed a deep appreciation for the importance of meeting children at their level, helping them understand ideas in ways that are meaningful to them, and building their confidence to believe that they can positively transform their world. He also values collaborative leadership and believes that some of the most meaningful impact happens through seemingly ordinary acts of service.

Outside his professional and academic commitments, Luyando enjoys long-distance walks, gaming, gardening and cooking. His creative interests include amateur photography, documenting experiences, storytelling and craft-making. He also enjoys exploring the cuisines of other cultures and values personal growth, meaningful relationships and continued service to his community.

Luyando’s journey has also been characterised by perseverance through changing circumstances. From the interruption of his studies abroad to navigating the demands of university, professional development and voluntary service, he has learnt to adapt, remain focused and continue pursuing worthwhile goals despite setbacks. Guided by the principle, “It may be hard, but press on and finish strong,” he approaches challenges as opportunities to grow in resilience, character and determination.

His academic and professional interests are increasingly focused on understanding how financial markets operate, how businesses make investment decisions and how capital can be directed towards activities that generate sustainable economic growth. He hopes to pursue an MSc in Financial Economics at the University of Oxford, deepening his understanding of financial markets, corporate finance, capital valuation and financial econometrics. In the longer term, he aspires to contribute to decisions that influence how businesses invest, how financial institutions support economic activity and how Zambia can better mobilise and allocate resources towards its development priorities.

For Luyando, achievement is not simply measured by academic distinctions, professional progression or positions of leadership. It is equally measured by the willingness to serve, the courage to persevere and the opportunities one helps create for others. He hopes to use his abilities, experiences and future opportunities to contribute to a Zambia where individuals and communities are less constrained by the circumstances into which they are born.

The Zambia Constituency’s outreach strategy led by the Deputy National Secretary for Outreach, Mr. Kabeleka Kabeleka, targets Tier 1 universities in Zambia, promoting the Scholarship and urging the best and the brightest to apply, whilst emphasising that the Rhodes Scholarship selection criteria. The applications for the 2028 Rhodes Scholarships will open in June 2027. More information about the Scholarship application be found at:www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/apply.

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