Oluwafunmilayo Oni is not your average 19-year-old. She is a Nigerian scholar who has achieved an extraordinary feat: she has won both the Chevening Scholarship from the United Kingdom and the Irish Aid Scholarship from Ireland on the same day. She beat over 51,840 applicants from around the world to secure these highly competitive and fully funded scholarships for her Master’s degree.
Oluwafunmilayo, who graduated with a second-class lower Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Covenant University, Nigeria, had been doubting her chances of winning any scholarship for years. She faced many rejections and discouragements because of her academic grade, which did not meet the minimum requirement of most scholarship granting organizations. However, she did not give up on her dreams. She kept applying and improving herself, until she finally received the good news that changed her life.
She shared her joy and gratitude on her LinkedIn post, saying: “This year, I was awarded the Chevening Scholarship and the Irish Aid scholarship on the same day. See God!” She also mentioned that she now had to decide which one to choose, as she could not accept both scholarships. She hopes that sharing her story would inspire others to persevere in the face of challenges. She said, “So, if you have a 2:2 like me, the journey might be slightly tougher but the world is your oyster! Apply!!!!!”
Oluwafunmilayo Oni is a brilliant example of how determination, hard work and faith can overcome any challenge. She has proven that academic grades are not the only measure of intelligence and potential. She has also shown that there are opportunities out there for anyone who is willing to seek them and seize them. We congratulate her on her amazing achievement and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
If you are interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in the UK with a fully funded scholarship, you might want to consider applying for the Chevening Scholarship. This is a prestigious award that covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances for one year of study at any UK university. The Chevening Scholarship is open to applicants from over 160 countries and territories who have demonstrated leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to their home country’s development.
But how do you apply for this amazing opportunity? Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Visit the Chevening official website at www.chevening.org and select your country or territory from the drop-down menu. You will see the available awards for your region, including the Chevening Scholarship.
- Create an account on the website and fill in your profile with your personal details, such as your name, contact information, education history, and work experience. Make sure you save your data and validate your profile before you start your application.
- Complete a quiz to check your eligibility for the Chevening Scholarship. You will need to meet certain criteria, such as having a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, having at least two years of work experience, being proficient in English, and having an unconditional offer from a UK university by 11 July 2024.
- Fill in the online application form with the required data and upload the following documents:
- Completed education documents, such as transcripts and certificates.
- Two reference letters from professional or academic contacts who can vouch for your skills and achievements.
- A valid passport or national ID card.
- An English language test certificate, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic, if you have one.
- Submit your application before the deadline of 7 November 2023 at 12:00 GMT (midday UK time). You can only submit one application per cycle, so make sure you review it carefully before sending it.
- Wait for the shortlisting results, which will be announced in early to mid-February 2024. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview at a British embassy or high commission in your country. The interview will assess your suitability for the Chevening Scholarship based on your leadership potential, career goals, and knowledge of the UK and global issues.
- If you pass the interview, you will receive a conditional offer of a Chevening Scholarship in June 2024. You will then need to confirm your acceptance of the offer and provide proof of your unconditional offer from a UK university by 11 July 2024.
- Congratulations! You are now a Chevening Scholar and ready to start your journey in the UK in September/October 2024.
Oni’s story is a perfect example of never giving up. Keep pushing till you see success and even so continue pushing. We want to celebrate her today. You are truly a Rising African and an able role model for the new African. Rising Africa is a dynamic platform that highlights the remarkable achievements of Africans worldwide and provides up-to-date information on scholarships and sponsorships available to African youth. Our vision is to inspire and empower the next generation of African leaders by showcasing the diverse accomplishments and talents of Africans across different fields, including technology, business, arts and culture, and social activism.
Through our Success Stories portal, we celebrate Rising Africans of all ages and sectors who have risen above challenges and made impactful innovations. Our Wonder Kids section features young achievers aged 1-12, while the Super Teens category highlights those aged 13-19, and Young Achievers profiles those aged 20-30. We also have dedicated portals for Women in Africa and persons living with disabilities.
In addition to celebrating African achievement, our Opportunities portal connects African youth to the latest sponsorship, scholarship, awards, and other life-changing opportunities. By providing access to these opportunities, we aim to empower African youth to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities.
At Rising Africa, we believe in the limitless potential of Africans to create a prosperous future for the continent. Join us in celebrating African excellence and building a brighter future for Africa.
