The virtual event tagged ‘Accessing Scholarship Opportunities’ had tutors and speakers share their experience and expertise on how best to tackle scholarship application problems and provide solutions and advice on securing these scholarships. The event took place on Saturday, 30th July 2022.
The first speaker Odo Osita Kingsley discussed the topic’ Aligning background experience and skills to scholarship application.’ During his session, Osita highlighted the components of a Statement of Purpose(SOP). He demonstrated the importance of getting a perfect Statement of Purpose(SOP) and outlined the errors people make when preparing their SOPs. He emphasized the need to connect one’s undergraduate academic discipline, work experience, and all other programs to build a professional profile that aligns with their future goals.
The second speaker, Olumide Odeyemi Ph.D., got more interactive with the audience while discussing ‘Applying for fully funded University scholarship.’ His session commenced with an interactive poll activity using slido.com to get participants’ opinions on why they want to secure scholarships and used their responses as his point of discussion. With the responses received, he stated clearly that scholarships are highly competitive, and demands are high due to the worldwide applications.
He shared attributes for scholarship opportunities using the acronym
A – Attention to details
F – Focus
D – Determination
E – Endurance
E – Emotional intelligence
P – Preparedness
Finally, he elaborated on the need for intending scholars to be prepared always and ensure the availability of all required documents before application, knowing what they want to do, their goal(s) for the next five years and the need to have the right amount of emotional intelligence as rejections are bound to occur during a scholarship process.
The next speaker, Babajide Macaulay, extensively discussed the DOs and DON’Ts of a scholarship application. He shared insights on how to stand better chances of securing scholarship opportunities. He encouraged participants to study the scholarship organization carefully and their website to get the correct information and entry requirements. The need to understand the entire scholarship process was emphasized as it is custom for candidates to rush through the whole process, which can have negative impacts. Access to this information will help applicants narrow their options accordingly. Finally, he ended his speech by advising the audience always to spread their tentacles, that is, avoid putting their eggs in one basket during scholarship applications.
The penultimate speaker, Idaraesit Mbakara, talked about obtaining research scholarships and after-study opportunities. She emphasized several pieces of information that should not be written in the academic CV and the need for everyone’s CV to express how the scholarship is necessary for their career. She further went on to list various scholarship programs for which the audience can apply according to their needs and interests and why it is essential for candidates seeking scholarships to make google their friend.
Finally, the last speaker, Chidera Henry, discussing the topic “making outstanding scholarship applications,” stressed the need for a proper understanding of the scholarship, then building a solid profile, writing a convincing SOP with particular attention to the formatting, writing a solid CV and having a good reference letter. He then wrapped up the event by doing a recap of what every other speaker had said.
The main objective of this event was to discuss extensively the various opportunities women could tap into to complete all levels of Education, which will consequently place them on a global pedestal. The tutors ensured to walk the ladies through the various requirements needed to acquire a scholarship.
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