I cycled across Africa for a place at my dream university

Available for over a year

A handwritten map is all Mamadou Barry had to guide him from Guinea to Egypt, where he wanted to enrol at one of the world’s top Islamic universities. At the age of 24 he had reached a crossroads in his life. Having failed his final year secondary school exams five times in a row, he set his sights on a different type of education. Mamadou had heard about the prestigious Al Azhar University in Egypt, but could not afford a plane ticket. So he decided to set off on an epic adventure, travelling by bike, and leaving his home in Guinea with only $55, a small bag of clothes and tools, and a map he had drawn himself. Presenter: Mobeen Azhar Producer: Rob Wilson Translator and interpreter: Olivier Weber Voiceover artist: Gaïus Kowene Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707 (Photo: Mamadou and his bike. Credit: Courtesy of Mamadou Barry)