“From Port Harcourt To Oxford”- Says Nigerian Lady Who’s Studying For Her Master’s Degree At Oxford Brookes University On Scholarship, As She Marks 2 Months Of Relocating To The UK

Nigerian Lady named Mirian Ementu-Maxwell has shared her career journey and challenges she encountered as she marks two months of relocating to UK for her master’s degree program.

She was awarded the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship to study at Oxford Brookes University.

Read her post below as shared on LinkedIn:

From Port Harcourt🇳🇬 to Oxford🇬🇧

Today marks the second month since I arrived in the UK to study for a master’s degree in Primate Conservation at Oxford Brookes University

Before completing my undergraduate studies in April 2021, I had one thing in mind, and that was an international master’s degree. I yearned to study at an institution with a thriving research culture, learn cutting-edge analytical skills, and gain exposure to global best practices.

In a bid to see my dreams materialize, I applied for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.

The application process was quite a daunting one because I had to simultaneously undertake the 3-week orientation camp by NYSC
I had two options: go to camp and forgo CSC or forgo CSC and go to camp.

However, I chose a third option: go to camp and apply for CSC.

That was one of the most stressful periods of my life. I had to write my essays at night, which was the only time I had owing to the unending camp activities (I’m sure Nigerians understand).

I remember the ladies I shared a room with constantly asking, ‘Mirian, what are you always writing? Are you a teacher?” Permit me to add that my essays were written in black and white (with paper and pen) and submitted with my smartphone.

I didn’t have time to give excuses for not having access to a laptop.

To summarize, I submitted my application on the bus travelling from Kano to PortHarcourt , barely two hours before the deadline. As God would have it, on the 4th of March 2022, I had my interview with the selection committee at Oxford Brookes University, and on the 18th, I received the mail that began a new phase of my life, and it read, “….we would like to nominate you for our Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2022.

Congratulations!”

So far, so good; it’s been a wonderful experience. Being the only African in class, I have experienced a plethora of cultural diversity, and I am amazed at how much I have learned in the last few weeks.

I would love to thank the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Oxford Brookes University for funding my dreams.

Source:Mirian Ementu-Maxwell | LinkedIn

Email: elora.akpotosevbe@yahoo.com