After a first unsuccessful attempt, Nigerian scholar Gabriel Ojo was able to secure the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship and pursue a Master’s degree in PANGEA (Palaeontology, Geoheritage, and Applications) at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, and Université de Lille, France. He started his solid academic career at Osun State University in Nigeria, where he earned a CGPA of 4.82/5.0 and graduated as the top student. He evaluated soil and groundwater contamination as part of his Environmental Geology undergraduate coursework, and he later obtained real-world experience through a GIS internship.
Ojo sought for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship because he was determined to continue his study, but at first he was only placed on the reserve list. Rather than give up, he worked on his application for a year, polishing his writings, adjusting them to the program’s standards, and looking for guidance. When he received full financing for the PANGEA initiative, his perseverance paid off. Additionally, he applied to two other Erasmus programs, Geospatial Technologies and GEM, but was only admitted without a scholarship.
Ojo focused on Applied Palaeontology during his Master’s program, examining historical climate and environmental shifts through the use of microfossils. He was exposed to many educational systems, research approaches, and cultures while studying in several European nations. Greece had a cheaper cost of living, but France offered student privileges including housing and healthcare support, despite being more expensive. In order to converse with locals, he also learnt some rudimentary Greek and French, which helped him overcome language obstacles.
Through the Erasmus Mundus Program, Ojo was able to get a Ph.D. position at the University of Texas at Austin, where he currently uses stable isotopes, foraminifera, and geophysical tools to study paleoceanographic changes. In addition to enhancing his technical proficiency, his participation in the program broadened his international network and equipped him for further research in his profession.
Looking back on his path, Ojo attributes his accomplishments to tenacity, forethought, and academic prowess. In addition to advising prospective applicants to start early, create compelling application essays, and obtain research and internship experience, he strongly recommends the Erasmus Mundus Program to those interested in studying abroad. Although he made the most of his academic time in the program, he regrets not visiting more European nations. All things considered, his experience strengthened his love of geology, study, and international cooperation.
CREDIT: ALLSCHOOL, Allschoolabs
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