Sister Derby Shares How Her Mother Took Out a Loan to Fund Her Master’s Degree

Ghanaian musician Sister Derby, known for her hit songs and distinct style, recently shared a deeply personal experience from her educational journey during an interview on GTV.

Reflecting on the challenges she faced while pursuing a Master’s degree, she opened up about how her family supported her through the financial hurdles of higher education.

In the interview, Sister Derby recalled how her uncle played a crucial role in motivating her to continue her education.

“My uncle encouraged me and pushed me to do a Master’s degree. He was like, ‘Don’t let time pass. You just finished your Bachelor’s. You are still in the learning mode. So just continue,’” she shared. These words of encouragement from a family member helped her push through the difficulties she encountered along the way.

However, the path to further education was not without its struggles. Despite her uncle’s advice, Sister Derby faced significant financial obstacles, particularly with paying her tuition. “I followed his advice, even though it was difficult because my mom had to pay my fees. She had to take out a loan of £11,000, which was a lot of money,” she revealed.

The amount was no small sum, but Sister Derby’s mother, determined to support her daughter, went to great lengths to ensure she could continue her education.

One of the most significant challenges she encountered was the misconception that her European passport would automatically qualify her for reduced fees.

“We thought that, because I had a European passport, the fees would be subsidized. Unfortunately, I hadn’t been living in Europe or the UK for the past three to five years, so I didn’t qualify. I had to pay international fees,” she explained.