How a Nigerian Scholar Received the Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in International Education and Development at the University of Sussex in the UK

I’m Janet Isesele, fondly known as Global Janet from Nigeria. According to the 2022 UNESCO report, Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, with 19.7 million affected. This crisis has had a serious impact on youth literacy and poverty levels across the country. I’ve lived this reality myself, which is why I’m deeply committed to changing the narrative.

I was born and raised in Orile Iganmu, a slum in southwest Nigeria where many children and young people grow up in extreme poverty, often forced into street hawking and other menial jobs.

I understand deeply how early life experiences can shape a person’s path. Growing up, I saw many of my teenage peers drop out of school due to a lack of funds, low motivation, early pregnancy, cultism, and other social challenges. My own journey showed me the transformative power of education and support, which inspired me to take action.

In 2019, I founded the Build a Child Initiative, a nonprofit committed to raising purpose-driven leaders through education, advocacy, and charity. Since then, I’ve led several outreach programs in secondary schools across Nigeria, mentoring students in areas like self-esteem, purpose discovery, and leadership. In just four years, we’ve reached and impacted over 15,000 young people.

As a social development practitioner with over five years of experience, I have learnt that having a passion for Education alone does not solve structural educational problems in Nigeria. I have gained an understanding of the major issues we face, including academic curriculum development, Policy formation, Implementation, and Leadership. This knowledge has led me to search for programmes that can help me address these challenges. Then I found the Master's in International Education and Development at the University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I’m a recipient of the prestigious Chevening Awards by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It is a fully funded Master's degree scholarship that covers your tuition, travel expenses, as well as your living expenses throughout your course of study in the UK. The journey to this point was anything but easy. I applied 3 times, which is for 3 years in a row. My first attempt took me to the interview stage, but I was placed on the reserve list. My second application? A straight rejection. But I didn't give up. I persevered, tried again, and on my third application, I received that long-awaited YES!

Educational Background

I had my undergraduate degree from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where I studied Banking and Finance. I graduated with a 3.79/5.00, which is a second-class upper division. My undergraduate degree played a major role in preparing me for my master's degree, particularly in helping me understand data-driven solutions, even though I am now in a different field.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Sussex?

I started by researching universities aligned with my career goals on Google. I explored different university websites, reviewing course modules and even lecturers who would be teaching me, before eventually deciding on the University of Sussex. I didn't need to take any standardized tests because Sussex accepts WAEC results (West African Senior School Certificate Examination).

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

I started by thoroughly reading the scholarship’s website and watching YouTube videos of previous scholarship recipients. This was incredibly helpful because I realized I was exactly the kind of candidate they were looking for. With that confidence, I began drafting my essays, carefully following online guidelines and instructions. I also reached out to Chevening alumni on platforms like LinkedIn, who generously reviewed my essays and conducted mock interviews. Their support played a huge role in helping me ace my application and ultimately get selected.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

What really made a difference for me was having a clear understanding of what the scholarship board was looking for and tailoring my essays accordingly. I used the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure my responses and highlight my experiences effectively. During the interview, I showed up with confidence, passion, and honesty, sharing my story and who I am without holding back. That authenticity helped me stand out.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Reflecting on my Chevening journey, I'm genuinely proud of how intentional and strategic I was from the start. I began preparing early, carefully refining my essays with clear, measurable examples, and ensured every aspect of my application aligned with my long-term vision for social impact. I embraced my passion for personal branding and thought leadership, highlighting not only my achievements but my commitment to creating opportunities for others. Connecting with alumni and thoroughly preparing for the interview also proved invaluable.

If I could change one thing, it would be to trust myself earlier, silencing self-doubt and fully embracing the value of my unique voice and lived experience. Chevening reaffirmed to me that my story matters, a lesson I now confidently carry into every room I enter.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

If you’re thinking of applying for a scholarship like Chevening, my biggest advice is this: start with clarity and lead with authenticity. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. Begin early, take time to reflect on your journey, and be intentional about linking your story to your future goals. Use real-life examples to highlight your leadership, impact, and personal growth.

Remember, Chevening isn’t just about qualifications; they’re looking for passionate individuals who can clearly articulate how they’ll make a difference. Connect with alumni, ask for feedback, and most importantly, trust that your story is enough. You don’t need to have everything figured out. What matters most is having a strong sense of purpose and a genuine drive to grow.