AFRICA | A brilliant Nigerian lady named Elizabeth Ope has earned a master’s degree in Finance and Banking from the Universidad de Alcalá in Madrid, Spain, finishing with a remarkable grade of 8.1 out of 10.
Her achievement is even more historic as she became the first Nigerian ever to study at the university under the Learn Africa Scholarship, a fully funded initiative offered by Spanish universities to support African students.
The program, known for its competitiveness and prestige, recently closed applications for 2025, with the next cycle expected to open early next year. For more information on how to apply, check HERE.
Elizabeth began her academic journey at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, where she graduated with a first-class degree in Economics in 2020.
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Reflecting on her academic journey on LinkedIn, Elizabeth said that after she graduated in 2020, she found herself at a crossroads. She was not just seeking a typical career path—she was searching for something deeper, something that aligned with her purpose and passion.
In trying to find her place, she explored different fields—from Business Analysis to Accounting—before eventually finding her spark in Finance.
For her, it was not just about building a career, it was about finding a space where her heart could truly thrive and where her work could bring lasting impact to others.
Reflecting on her time at Universidad de Alcalá (UDA), Elizabeth described her experience as both beautiful and rewarding. Being part of the Finance and Banking department exposed her to a blend of strong academic foundations and real-world industry knowledge.
The curriculum, guided by highly experienced lecturers and professionals, did not just deepen her understanding of finance—it also gave her practical skills and a renewed sense of direction.
Most importantly, she discovered a vision that she could commit to for life—something far more valuable than academic excellence.
However, she faced some challenges during the course of her studies and transition. It was hard adjusting to a new language and a new culture but she remained grateful for the support she received.
From university staff to friends and family, she acknowledged the many people who stood by her during difficult moments. She expressed deep appreciation to everyone who encouraged her and gave all the glory to God for making it all possible.
Currently, Elizabeth is continuing her academic journey in the United States, where she is pursuing a second master’s degree in Economics at Georgia State University.
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