My Scholarship Journey: What Consistency, Preparation & Mentorship Taught Me

Since 2011, I had already identified two major opportunities that would later shape my academic life: the Commonwealth Scholarship and the PTDF Scholarship.

I didn’t rush blindly into applications. I carefully studied the requirements first.

One requirement stood out immediately — the academic transcript. So in 2013, I made sure I obtained mine early.

Another key requirement for locally advertised scholarships like PTDF is proof of National Youth Service (NYSC) completion. So I made a strategic decision:

Some scholarships, like Chevening, require strong work experience — which I didn’t yet have. Instead of giving up, I carefully packaged my profile using my internships, volunteer roles, and NYSC service.

This decision paid off. In time, I successfully secured the PTDF Overseas MSc Scholarship in 2018 — my first major breakthrough for oversease scholarship opportunity.

The Role of Mentorship

Yes — I have mentors, both within and outside Nigeria. They guided my decisions, reviewed my applications, and challenged me to stay focused.

But mentorship alone isn’t enough.

I applied to:

If you examine my profile, you’ll notice something important: my successes didn’t come quickly — but they came because I never stopped trying.

When Life Interrupts the Dream

In 2020, I secured a fully funded PhD scholarship at Deakin University, Melbourne. I even obtained the visa.

Then COVID-19 happened. Everything paused. But I didn’t quit.

Choosing Between Opportunities

In 2022, I received two fully funded PhD offers — one in the USA, one in Germany.

I conducted a careful cross-benefit analysis: funding structure, research environment, long-term goals, and personal priorities. I chose Germany — for reasons aligned with my future.

Final Advice

There is no shortcut. There is no magic scholarship. Only deliberate effort and persistence.

Stay tuned — I will continue sharing scholarship updates and lessons from real-life experience, not theory.