A determined Nigerian lady named Taofeekat Adigun turned rejection into redirection and persistence into victory after earning a first-class degree and securing a prestigious scholarship to pursue dual master’s degrees in the United Kingdom.
Her journey is a powerful lesson in strategy, resilience, and unwavering belief.
Taofeekat's Story and How She Did It
Taofeekat graduated in 2021 from the University of Ibadan with a First-Class Honours degree in Public Health Education and Promotion.
After completing her undergraduate studies, she set a clear goal to win a fully funded scholarship abroad in two years. But achieving that dream proved far more challenging than she expected.
Rather than applying randomly, Taofeekat was meticulous. She compiled a detailed list of universities in the UK, studied program requirements and funding opportunities, and assessed risk vs. reward before submitting applications. and reflected deeply on her motivations and career direction.
She admitted that while she was self-aware and intentional, procrastination sometimes slowed her progress. Still, she kept pushing forward.
EXPLORE SCHOLARSHIPS
Between late 2022 and early 2023, Taofeekat entered an intense application cycle applying to Oxford University, submitted four Commonwealth Scholarship applications, wrote multiple Statements of Purpose, crafted 4,000-word essays, and applied to institutions in both the UK and the United States
She gained admission to Cornell University with a merit-based tuition discount, but not a full scholarship. Taofeekat also received admissions without funding and several painful rejections.
Oxford’s rejection was particularly difficult after the emotional and mental energy she invested. At one point, she doubted herself. Yet, she never stopped.
By March 2023, she was still submitting scholarship essays, battling illness, finished a contract job, and even received multiple rejection emails.
In one week alone, she received five rejections, for both jobs and scholarships, but instead of giving up, she prepared mentally to try again in the next cycle.
Before then, she also applied to two final scholarships, the Allan Nesta Scholarship and the Sheffield Africa Scholarship. Both required similar essays, and she took the bold step of applying to both.
Then came the life-changing email. Taofeekat had been awarded the Sheffield Africa Scholarship at the University of Sheffield. The scholarship grants her the opportunity to pursue dual master’s degrees, a Master of Public Health (MPH) and another in International Development
“A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS. Got the @sheffielduni Africa scholarship to study dual MPH and International Development at the University of Sheffield,” she shared on LinkedIn.
Taofeekat finally earned the chance to study abroad because, from the onset, she knew what she wanted and aligned her applications according to it. Also, she researched thoroughly and targeted scholarships that matched her goals.
Despite numerous denials, she kept applying until the final deadline. She allowed herself to feel disappointment, but never gave up.
Taofeekat expressed deep gratitude to her lecturers, friends, and family, and the Africa Scholarship Board at the University of Sheffield
Now, she eagerly anticipates the opportunities ahead as she begins this new academic chapter in the UK.
Follow our Social Media Channels:
- WhatsApp: Scholarship Region WhatsApp
- Facebook: Scholars Region
- Twitter (X): @scholarsregion
- Telegram: Scholarship Region