UNN Graduate Chineye Okoli Secures Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

Chineye Okoli, a first-class engineering graduate, has accepted an Erasmus Mundus scholarship to pursue a master's programme in Groundwater Management and Global Change (GroundwatCH) at Instituto Superior Técnico. In September 2026, she shared her journey on LinkedIn, reflecting on her initial failed scholarship application.

Okoli recognized that her previous academic success, achieved with minimal effort, left her unprepared for the competitive postgraduate landscape. She admitted that while she believed in her capabilities, she was not putting in the necessary work, which allowed others to outshine her in the application process.

This realization prompted a significant change in her strategy for her second application. She diligently researched how to create a competitive application, sought out experiences to enhance her profile, and relied on prayer and a supportive network of mentors and referees.

Okoli's message to others aspiring for similar opportunities emphasized the importance of preparation alongside desire.