A determined Nigerian scholar, Oluwabunmi Fatoyinbo, overcame early academic setbacks and multiple scholarship rejections to earn the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship, enabling her to study Marine and Environmental Sciences across three European universities.
A brilliant Nigerian scholar, Oluwabunmi Fatoyinbo, has been awarded the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) Scholarship, enabling her to pursue a Master’s in Marine and Environmental Sciences across three European universities:
- Universidade dos Açores – Portugal
- University of the Basque Country – Spain
- University of Liège – Belgium
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Her Journey: From Disappointment to Global Opportunity
Oluwabunmi began her academic path in 2014 at the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Nigeria. Though she dreamed of studying Medicine, she was offered admission in Fisheries and Aquaculture—a course she initially didn’t want.
“I accepted the course planning to rewrite JAMB by 200 level, but God had bigger plans,” she shared on LinkedIn.
Despite retaking JAMB, her score still didn’t qualify her for Medicine. She decided to stay in Fisheries and graduated with a Second Class Upper Division in 2019.
The Road to Scholarships
In 2021, Oluwabunmi began actively applying for international scholarships, dedicating 7+ hours weekly to crafting essays, sending cold emails, refining her academic CV, and submitting applications—all while improving her profile through volunteering and online courses.
“Between 2021 and 2023, I applied for several scholarships. I faced repeated rejections, and it was mentally draining. But my family, friends, pastors, and lecturers kept me going,” she recalled.
After two unsuccessful attempts at the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, she almost gave up.
“By late 2023, I told my sister I wouldn’t apply again. But I gave it one last shot.”
Breakthrough After Perseverance
In November 2023, she submitted her third application and was again placed on the reserve list by early 2024. Assuming it was over, she enrolled for an MSc in Inland and Coastal Fisheries Management at the University of Ibadan to strengthen her background.
Then, on September 10, 2024, everything changed.
“God showed up! I got an email from the MER+ Consortium saying a spot had opened up. I was overwhelmed—I couldn’t laugh or cry. I was just still.”
She officially received the fully funded Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, covering tuition, travel, insurance, and living expenses across three countries.
A Life-Changing Experience
Now in her second semester in Europe, Oluwabunmi describes the experience as transformative and enriching.
“All I can say is THANK YOU, JESUS! I’ve gained so much knowledge, exposure, and cultural insight. I look forward to giving back.”
She expressed deep gratitude to:
- God Almighty
- The MER+ Consortium
- Scholarship mentor Dr. Igbalajobi
- Her siblings, lecturers, friends, and pastors
“To everyone who helped me along the way — thank you. See you all at the top!”
READ ALSO: 10-Year-Old Aviation Prodigy Flies Plane, Wins Elon Musk Scholarship
SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION
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