Nigerian Engineering Graduate Overcomes Forex Loss to Secure Fully-Funded Scholarship in Canada
A Nigerian lady has inspired many by sharing her story of how she turned a financial setback into a life-changing opportunity, securing a fully-funded scholarship to study at Carleton University in Canada. Identified on social media as @dharmieomotuyi, she posted a video detailing her journey, which quickly went viral and garnered significant attention from netizens seeking advice on similar opportunities.
From UK Plans to Forex Loss: A Painful Detour
In her heartfelt video, the graduate revealed that she had initially planned to relocate to the United Kingdom in 2024 to pursue her master's degree. However, her plans were derailed when she lost all her tuition money through forex trading, an experience she described as devastating. "I actually planned to relocate to the UK in 2024 but I couldn't because I gambled my money with forex and lost everything," she said, adding that the loss made her cry and feel like it was the end of the world.
Despite this setback, she remained hopeful, expressing her desire to leave Nigeria for her master's within a year. Little did she know that her fortunes were about to change dramatically.
A Surprising Turnaround: The Scholarship Email
Barely a year after her financial loss, the graduate received an email that transformed her academic prospects. She was awarded a fully-funded scholarship to study her dream course at Carleton University in Canada. Reflecting on this unexpected turn of events, she remarked, "Sometimes losing everything is just a redirection." She captioned her video with a poignant message: "It didn't work out the way I planned. And somehow...it still worked out."
How She Secured the Scholarship: A Research-Based Approach
In the comments section of her video, the graduate provided detailed insights into how she secured the scholarship without using an agent. She explained that her method is specifically tailored for research-based master's programs. "I am doing a research-based master's so my method will work only if you don't mind research," she stated.
Her strategy involved:
- Identifying a professor whose research aligned with her interests.
- Sending an email to the professor before applying to the university.
- Securing funding through a research assistantship offered by the professor.
She highlighted that her academic background played a crucial role in her success. She holds a second-class upper (2.1) degree in mechanical engineering, which strengthened her application. "I was able to get a professor whose research aligned so I am being funded through research assistantship," she added.
Public Reaction and Inquiries
The video sparked a flurry of comments from individuals eager to learn from her experience. Many inquired about the process of securing scholarships in Canada, especially given the current challenges with U.S. opportunities. For instance, one user asked, "How are you able to get a fully funded scholarship to Canada? I have tried searching for a scholarship like that but none. Did you use an Agent or write IELTS?"
Others shared similar stories of financial loss, such as one commenter who said, "Hunnmmm same thing happened to me I already got admission but no funds cos I lost everything me that had millions now has nothing it's well hoping for better soon!" The graduate responded to many of these queries, offering guidance and encouragement to those in similar situations.
Broader Context: Nigerian Diaspora Stories
This story resonates with broader narratives within the Nigerian diaspora. In related news, a man recently returned to Nigeria after 33 years in the UK, while a nurse came back after eight years abroad. Additionally, a lady who relocated to the UK announced her permanent return to Nigeria after two years, citing personal reasons that caught public attention.
These stories highlight the dynamic and often challenging experiences of Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, whether through education, work, or migration.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Resilience
The journey of this Nigerian engineering graduate serves as a powerful testament to resilience and adaptability. By leveraging her academic credentials and proactively reaching out to potential supervisors, she turned a financial disaster into a fully-funded educational opportunity in Canada. Her story not only inspires but also provides practical insights for others aspiring to study abroad through scholarships, emphasizing the importance of research-based approaches and perseverance in the face of adversity.
