Mary Motunrayo Ogunleye, a Nigerian graduate in forestry, has been granted the esteemed Erasmus Mundus Scholarship to study in Europe for a Master’s degree in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management (SUFONAMA). She is developing knowledge in forestry science, conservation, and ecosystem management at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark thanks to the fully supported program.
Ogunleye received the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada, after graduating with a first-class degree (4.57/5.0) in Forestry and Wood Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Nigeria. But because of its two-year length, worldwide mobility framework, and dual-degree certification, she chose Erasmus Mundus.
A Process of Competitive Selection
One of the most competitive scholarship programs in the world, Erasmus Mundus receives thousands of applications from the best students throughout the world. Ogunleye attributes her accomplishments to a solid academic foundation, an engaging motivational statement, and comprehensive recommendation letters that emphasised her leadership abilities, research prowess, and dedication to sustainability.
“I think my recommendation letters were crucial in addition to my academic success. They gave the selection committee a comprehensive picture of my abilities by offering a mentor-to-mentee and lecturer-to-student viewpoint,” she said.
Another big draw for Ogunleye was the Erasmus Mundus mobility structure, which enables students to study in several different countries. According to her, the experience gave her the chance to widen her perspective on the world, become more culturally tolerant, and receive practical instruction in using natural remedies to combat climate change.
Under the SUFONAMA program, Ogunleye has attended two prestigious forestry schools:
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Sweden): This institution specialises in forestry science, which includes biodiversity conservation, global land use, sustainable resource use, and forest management.
- University of Copenhagen (Denmark): Focussing on ecological processes, forest economics, policy frameworks, and sustainable land use, this university specialises in forest ecosystems, nature, and society.
She has received interdisciplinary training and international exposure from the dual-country experience, which has given her the tools to tackle environmental issues around the world.
Ogunleye had to use budgeting techniques to deal with the high expense of living in Sweden and Denmark even though she was given a €1,000 monthly stipend.
- In order to save money, she chose non-profit student housing in Denmark.
- Because they were less expensive than private rentals, she stayed in student hostels in Sweden.
- She drastically cut travel costs by purchasing student transit cards in both nations.
- She ate more home-cooked meals rather than eating out in order to keep costs down.
She was able to enjoy Erasmus to the fullest without experiencing financial difficulty because to these money management techniques.
Ogunleye encountered no major language hurdles when studying in nations where English is not the primary language. In both Sweden and Denmark, English was the primary language of teaching, and the majority of the population was fluent in it.
“People shifted to English with ease whenever I spoke it, which made communication simple. I felt at home and was able to assimilate fast because of this,” she said.
In light of her experience, Ogunleye heartily urges aspirational students everywhere to apply for the Erasmus Mundus program.
It’s a transformative opportunity that provides access to top-notch instruction, exposure to different cultures, and a global professional network. If you’re thinking about applying, concentrate on learning about the program, writing a compelling motivation letter, selecting reliable recommenders, and demonstrating your character outside of the classroom. “Authenticity and passion make your application stand out,” she suggested.
Ogunleye is appreciative of her experiences but regrets not pursuing additional overseas internships when she was a student.
“I think getting hands-on experience in a variety of biomes, like the Mediterranean, would have strengthened my expertise, even though my coursework covered different forest management systems,” she added.
However, she calls the Erasmus Mundus program a tremendously enlightening experience and encourages aspiring students to confidently take advantage of the chance.
Ogunleye’s accomplishment demonstrates the growing influence of Nigerian academics in international sustainability initiatives and the expanding chances for African students to receive fully funded overseas scholarships that provide access to top-notch education.
CREDIT: ALLSCHOOL, Allschoolabs
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