When your dreams are bigger than your circumstances, the boldest thing you can do is bet on yourself, and that’s exactly what Reddel Precious Duh did. Hailing from Cameroon, where opportunities were often limited and the future uncertain, Reddel refused to let geography define his potential. Today, he’s not just studying toward a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing at North-West University; he’s building a blueprint for success that blends academics, sport, leadership, and heart.
Back home in Cameroon, access to quality education and long-term job opportunities was limited. Reddel knew that to build the life he envisioned, he needed to look beyond his borders. That decision wasn’t easy, but it was clear: he needed a university that could offer him both a strong academic foundation and a chance to grow in an inclusive, forward-thinking environment, and NWU ticked all the boxes.
One of the things that stood out most during his application process was how supportive and efficient the university’s international office was. They made the logistics, often a stressful hurdle for international students, much easier to manage. From the visa paperwork to answering countless questions, the staff made sure he felt prepared and welcomed.
Since arriving at NWU’s Mahikeng campus, Reddel has immersed himself in his studies and the diverse campus life. For him, the community’s openness and the mix of cultures have been a highlight. “It’s not just about lectures and exams,” he says. “It’s about the environment, the people, the energy, the way we all learn from each other.”
In 2024, Reddel took a significant step in his personal and professional growth by joining the NWU Soccer Institute. Balancing his academic responsibilities with the demands of high-performance training, he embraced the challenge with determination and focus. Being part of the institute not only allowed him to continue developing his skills on the field but also deepened his interest in the business side of sports, an area closely tied to his studies in marketing. This experience gave him a firsthand understanding of how sport and strategy intersect, further fueling his long-term goals in sports management and branding.
Academically, he’s been doing exceptionally well. Last year, he earned an average of over 75%, which came with a partial refund of his tuition fees, an achievement he’s especially proud of. It was more than just a financial reward, it was recognition of the hard work he’s been putting in. To further support students like him, the university also offers bursaries to international students who demonstrate academic excellence.
Studying marketing has opened up new interests and possibilities for Reddel. He’s particularly drawn to the world of branding and strategy, and he's already thinking about how he might combine his passion for sports with a career in marketing or management. NWU’s curriculum has given him both the knowledge and the confidence to start thinking beyond the classroom.
What makes his story even more inspiring is how grounded he remains. Despite being far from home, he’s made a place for himself at NWU. Living in one of the university’s residences, known to be among the safest student accommodations in the country, has given him both a sense of security and a supportive community, helping him to focus on his studies and feel at home away from home.
Reddel’s time at NWU hasn’t just been about textbooks or lectures. It’s been about growth. Growth as a student, as a young professional, and as someone learning to navigate new spaces with confidence and purpose.
His advice to anyone considering studying abroad or applying to NWU? “Don’t hesitate. If you’re serious about your goals and willing to work for them, this is a place that can help you get there.”
