AFRICA | A brilliant Nigerian lady named Oreoluwa Ojo has achieved a remarkable academic milestone after winning two fully funded scholarships abroad.
Oreoluwa won a funding award from the Hertie School in Berlin for a Master’s in International Affairs and another from the University of Cambridge for a Master’s of Philosophy (MPhil) in Development Studies.
Oreoluwa Story and How She Did It
Oreoluwa’s academic journey began in 2016 when she enrolled for a degree in International Relations and Diplomacy, graduating in 2020 with an outstanding 4.71 cumulative grade point average.
Her passion for global affairs and development issues laid the foundation for what would later become a trailblazing career in social impact. After graduation, she dedicated herself to building professional experience while simultaneously preparing and applying for graduate studies abroad.
For four years, she sharpened her skills as a social impact strategist, nonprofit leader, and gender equality advocate, all driven by her commitment to building a more inclusive and just world.
EXPLORE SCHOLARSHIPS
In 2025, Oreoluwa dedication and hard work paid off as she recieved two fully funded scholarships. The first came from the Hertie School in Berlin, offering her a place in their Masters of Arts in International Affairs program.
At first, she had only received a partial scholarship and had given up on trying to get other funding. But in June, an unexpected call informed her that she had been upgraded to a full scholarship for the entire two-year program. Excited and ready, she began preparing to move to Germany.
Then, just a few weeks later, another email arrived, this time from the University of Cambridge. After months of anticipation, she had been awarded a fully funded offer for an MPhil in Development Studies.
“I was speechless. I had already made plans for Germany, but when Cambridge came calling, I knew I had to pause and think deeply,” she said.
Faced with two incredible opportunities, Oreoluwa chose Cambridge University, not only for its global prestige and academic excellence but also for the opportunity to engage in development research that could influence real-world policy and social change.
“The Hertie program was amazing too but the two-year length and the requirement to learn German added complexities I wasn’t ready to take on, ” she explained.
Reflecting on her journey, Oreoluwa shared three powerful lessons that shaped her success.
That persistence pays off, even when one door closes, another may open if you keep preparing, timing matters thay the right opportunities often come when you least expect them and you must trust yourself.
” It’s okay to pause and weigh your options. Trusting your instincts is key,” Oreoluwa said.
In september 2025, Oreoluwa officially commenced her Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at the University of Cambridge on a fully funded scholarship, a moment she describes as both a dream come true and a testimony of God’s faithfulness.
As she begins this new academic chapter, she remains committed to understanding how development research and policy can create lasting social impact across Africa and beyond.
“I’m deeply grateful for the journey so far. And I can’t wait to share my learnings and reflections over the next year” she said.
Follow our Social Media Channels:
- WhatsApp: Scholarship Region WhatsApp
- Facebook: Scholars Region
- Twitter: @scholarsregion
- Telegram: Scholarship Region