From Keke Rider in Nsukka to Helsinki University: Nigerian Man Wins ₦61 Million Scholarship to Study in Europe

From working as a tricycle (Keke) rider to fund his education at UNN, Nigerian scholar Henry Ezeugwu overcame financial hardship, excelled academically and in leadership, and ultimately earned a fully funded ₦61 million scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Helsinki in Finland.

A determined Nigerian, Henry Ezeugwu, has risen from the streets of Nsukka, where he worked as a tricycle (Keke) rider, to earning a prestigious ₦61 million (€36,000) fully funded scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Helsinki, Finland — ranked among the top 100 universities globally.

A Humble Beginning

Henry began his academic journey in 2016 when he was admitted to study Education and Igbo Linguistics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Coming from a financially challenged background, he struggled to fund his education. During long school breaks, he worked as a tricycle rider in New Nsukka, which helped him cover almost 70% of his tuition and living expenses.

“Funds were a threat at a time, life was depressing, but giving up was not on the list,” Henry shared. “It was either side hustle or nothing.”

Despite his demanding routine, Henry graduated in 2021 with a CGPA of 4.22, demonstrating his academic excellence and resilience.

Leadership, Mentorship, and Volunteering

Beyond academics, Henry was deeply involved in leadership and service. At UNN, he held four student leadership roles, represented his faculty across four different states, and volunteered as a tutor for first-year students, teaching courses like History of Education.

“UNN was a central theme in my autobiography. It molded my leadership, character, and resilience,” he reflected.

The Road to Europe

After graduation, Henry aimed to gain international exposure by applying to scholarships abroad. The journey was filled with rejections and setbacks, but his resolve never wavered.

In 2025, he was selected as one of only 60 international students for the MA in Changing Education at the University of Helsinki. The €36,000 (₦61 million) scholarship fully covers his tuition and living expenses for two years.

This Master’s program will allow Henry to dive into education reform, leadership, and learning innovation. It will also equip him with skills in educational policy design, critical thinking, and scientific communication, preparing him for impactful roles in research, education administration, and policymaking.

A Message of Hope

Henry sees his achievement as more than personal success—it’s a symbol of resilience and hope for countless others facing similar struggles.

“Every struggle, setback, and late night of hard work was worth it. I’m stepping into this new chapter with a commitment to bring back knowledge that supports sustainable and equal access to education through technology.”

He expressed deep gratitude to his family, mentors, and friends, as well as to the University of Helsinki for believing in young changemakers.

To aspiring scholars, Henry offers this advice: