Born on September 22, 2000, in the central part of Freetown, Sheknatu Bangura is a 23-year-old Sierra Leonean model, medicine student, advocate, beauty queen, entrepreneur, founder of Noodles Bar, and reality TV show Doctor’s Corner. She is dedicated to bringing medicine to the people. Sheknatu Bangura is currently contesting for this year’s Miss University, organized by Africa Young Voices Media Empire (AYV) in partnership with the National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS). The event is set to take place on April 26, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Born into an Islamic home, Sheknatu completed her primary and secondary education at St Joseph Primary and Grace school of science . She completed her Senior Secondary education at the Grace School of science with excellent grades.

In school, Sheknatu was the brightest student in her class. She consistently achieved top grades throughout her primary, secondary, and senior secondary education. She was awarded prefect when she was in 6th grade and came first in her class throughout her secondary education. With an aggregate of 13 after taking her Basic Education Certificate Examination, Sheknatu was awarded a full scholarship at the same school to continue her Senior Secondary education. Sheknatu received an excellent badge, which was used to celebrate students who excelled in school, for her performance. Sheknatu knew that with all these good grades, she needed to live up to the expectations of the school by getting a good result on the WASSCE exams. She wanted to make her father, family, and school proud. Sheknatu sat for her WASSCE exam and secured a spot to study medicine at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences.

Growing up, Sheknatu dedicated her life to modeling and pageantry. Despite coming from a family and society where many parents see modeling and pageantry as bad career choices for their children, Sheknatu was determined to pursue her passion. For her, it was even hard because she was born and grew up in a central community that didn’t inspired her to become the woman she is today. “It wasn’t just about being smart, going to school, and university to become a Medical Doctor; I wanted to break barriers. I wanted to let the world know that modeling and pageantry aren’t just for school dropouts.” She told Salone Messenger crediting her success to God.

In the 4th grade, Sheknatu went through perforation in typhoid. With no financial support from her parents, With God, doctors had to save her life because they saw beauty and intelligence in her. This experience pushed her to study medicine so she could help other children.

Sheknatu wanted to be that Celebrity Doctor and show the world that one can be a medical doctor and a model too. This desire led her to participate in the Big Sister Reality TV show, a decision that affected her enrollment at the university that year. After her participation in the reality TV show, many people around her, including friends and family members, told her that she could not succeed in university. In the community, society, and country where Sheknatu found herself, modeling or reality TV shows were not seen as compatible with difficult courses such as medicine.

Sheknatu didn’t give up. Her father, who was her greatest inspiration, didn’t give up on her either. She enrolled at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Science and is currently in her 3rd year, doing extremely well in school. “That is what I want to prove wrong,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you are a professional; you can still pursue other things. I think there is a lot of mediocrity in pageantry. People see pageantry as something for dropouts or women who just want to show off their bodies to get the attention of men. But for me, I feel like there is more to pageantry. It can drive tourism for our country, and there are a lot of opportunities that being an international pageant Queen can bring to the country.” She told Salone Messenger.

Sheknatu’s involvement in these competitions and programs showcases her confidence and determination to excel in various areas of her life. She is not only focused on her academic pursuits but also actively engages in activities that promote personal growth and development.

Sheknatu’s passion for advocacy is notable in her role as an ambassador for the Sierra Leone Medical Student Association and her involvement in SCOPH, where she works towards improving the lives of children in her community through education. She believes that education is a powerful tool that can transform lives and is committed to making a difference in the lives of those who are less privileged.

Sheknatu also values the importance of giving back to her community. By donating the books her father bought for her to children in the community after she has finished reading them, she demonstrates her selflessness and desire to share knowledge and resources with others.

Sheknatu’s experiences and accomplishments reflect her passion to break stereotypes and embrace her individuality. She strives to be a medical student without being confined by societal expectations, proving that it is okay to be different and pursue one’s own dreams and aspirations.

AYV Miss University 2023/2024 competition will take place on Friday, April 26 at the Radisson Blu, Mammy Yoko with the winner set to receive a prize package totalling over $15,000 with other packages.

The Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire and National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS), have successfully completed intense auditions for Nine beautiful queens representing various universities countrywide at the Miss University 2023.

The show is set to be held on April, 26, 2024 at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown.

The search is on for the next AYV Miss University as Nine ladies auditioned from different universities across the country.

Miss University 2023 Early Bird Ticket Promotion.

Be an Early Bird – get your ticket NOW for a whopping discount.

Early Bird Ticket: SL 200

Door Entrance Ticket: SL 300

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS:

– AFRICELL and AYV head office in Freetown, sub-offices in Makeni, Bo, and Kenema.

– Student Union Secretariat nationwide

– Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel, Freetown, Aberdeen

– Online Ventix website: getventix.com/event/639754 and Ventix app.

– Buy through AFRIMONEY