Undergraduate Degree:
Bachelor of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan 2019 with distinction (first class)
MSc. Degree in view:
MSc International Health and Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford
Can you tell us a little bit about your life and career before postgraduate studies?
I am a pharmacist, and during my undergraduate degree, I developed interest in Global Health and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). This stemmed from the exposure I got while working as a committee member with the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF). I have also participated in a number of International Conferences such as the World Healthcare Students Symposium (WHSS 2017) in Rwanda, and I was the Assistant General Secretary for the African Pharmaceutical Symposium (AfPS 2018) in Nigeria.
In 2018, my team won the Innovate4AMR global competition hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO), ReAct, South Centre, Johns Hopkins IDEA Initiative and the International Federation of Medical Students’ Association. We were one of the eleven teams selected worldwide. I was also awarded a University Merit Scholarship to study an online Postgraduate Certificate in Global Health by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM, UK).
What inspired your graduate school goal?
The truth is that applying for graduate studies is quite a lengthy and demanding process. However, writing my application (statement of purpose, CV and scholarship essay) was the most difficult part. The goal was to get a full scholarship, so I knew that my application had to stand out.
Attending the GetInEdu boot camp helped me to clarify a lot of things.
Starting my application early also helped a lot, because I had enough time to edit my essays and send it out to scholars for review etc.
I was also very dogged. I didn’t want a situation where I would have to apply again the following year. So I put all my energy into it.
Did you get any scholarships? If so, can you tell us about the scholarship and how the application process went? Please share key decisions you made, such as where to work, volunteer, or other things that made you stand out!
Yes, I got two fully funded scholarships
ExxonMobil Scholarship to study MSc International Health and Tropical Medicine (IHTM) at the University of Oxford.
This scholarship is awarded by the Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health at Oxford. It is only available to those applying for this course at Oxford. It does not require any additional application. All you have to do is submit an your application for the IHTM course by the scholarship deadline, which is December 3rd 2021 (Please note that the date changes yearly, so check the course page for the most up-to-date information).
2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarship to study MSc Public Health at the University of Bristol.
I think the things that made me stand out was that I had a good academic background (I graduated with a distinction) and the fact that I have relevant experience in my field of interest. I had taken online courses, I was enrolled for the Postgraduate Certificate in Global Health at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, I had won a global competition and attended a range of international conferences as an undergraduate, and I had volunteered with some international organizations such as International Pharmaceutical Students Federation (IPSF).
From my perspective, having an outstanding track record in your field, and being able to demonstrate your strong interest in solving or contributing solutions to a particular problem within your field of interest, is what stands you out.
How has this scholarship shaped your career so far?
It has made my dream achievable. I wouldn’t have been able to proceed with this Masters if I didn’t get a scholarship
What are the next career steps for you after your program?
I don’t have a specific answer yet, but I know I would be working on global health projects/research.
What advice would you give to other Africans considering a fully-funded graduate degree?
If you are still in school, do your best to graduate with a good grade. If you’ve already graduated and you didn’t graduate with a first class, getting relevant work experiences will definitely boost your chances.
Also, seek guidance when working on your application. Reach out to scholars to review your essays, and if you can afford it, you should sign-up for the GetInEdu graduate application boot camp. Also look out for free webinars, YouTube videos of scholar interviews, tips on graduate application, etc. Don’t be discouraged, be willing to try over and over again.
What were some of the most eye-opening moments while you’re studying abroad?
Well, I am still studying, and I look forward to having many eye-opening moments, but it already feels so good to be here and to know that I am at the right place.