Erasmus Mundus Scholar, Mustapha Adekomi Ganiyu from Nigeria, Completes the Joint Master’s in Excellence in Analytical Chemistry (EACH) in Estonia and Sweden

I am Mustapha Adekomi Ganiyu, an alumnus of Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's in Excellence in Analytical Chemistry (EACH). I had my first year at the University of Tartu, Estonia, and the second year at Uppsala University, Sweden.

Educational Background

B.Tech Science Laboratory Technology with specialisation in Chemistry/Biochemistry. Nigeria is a heterogeneous society with eclectic languages and cultures. I have successfully worked with people from different tribes and nationalities during my undergraduate studies and National Youth Service, a scheme designed for Nigerian graduates to learn about cultural integration and build networks. I believed this experience prepared me for the multi-country experience.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

My application was driven by curiosity and the need for technical development in my field. Having gained substantial professional experience after my undergraduate studies, I already knew what I needed to meet the growing development in the field. I found that only EACH and EMQAL curricula fulfill those needs—specifically laboratory management, quality system, and advanced analytical method development and validations. I was convinced that both would provide me with the opportunities to be taught by different experts in those areas across Europe, associate with, and network with people from different scientific backgrounds.

Without doubt, Erasmus Mundus is highly competitive. The competition was fierce as the difference between the highest-ranked candidate and the ones on the reserve list can be just a decimal point. I think my application was successful because of my relevant academic and professional experience and the alignment of the program with my future goals. I visited the program websites almost every day to understand what the programme offers and how it aligns with my interests and future aspirations. So, I tailored my motivation letter accordingly.

Could You Briefly Discuss the Erasmus Mundus Program You Pursued and the Specific Field of Study It Focused On?

The EACH programme is an Erasmus Mundus Joint master’s degree jointly run by four Universities in Europe (University of Tartu, Estonia; University of Claude Bernard Lyon, France; Uppsala University, Sweden; and Abo Akademi University, Finland). It focused on analytical and measurement science/metrology, bridging classical analytical chemistry, emerging fields like separation science, industrial processors, sensors, and the socio-economics and legal aspects of applying analysis.

Its structure includes a first year in Estonia for all students, where they are exposed to the fundamentals of analytical chemistry with intensive laboratory work, quality assurance, legal/economic aspects, and then specialisation in the second year at one of the partner universities, along with mandatory mobility and practical thesis works, often with associated partner institutions.

How Did the Cost of Living Vary Across the Countries You Studied In? Which Country Was the Most Affordable or Expensive, and How Did You Manage Financially?

There is a great difference in the cost of living between Estonia and Sweden, averaging a 100% difference depending on lifestyle. Having been aware of this beforehand, I had to prepare ahead. Notwithstanding, the stipend was still sufficient in both cases.

Did You Face Any Language Barriers, and if So, How Did You Overcome Them? Did the Language of Instruction Change from One Country to Another?

In a few cases, it was difficult to interact with the locals in Estonia. But there used to be someone who could translate in those shops. English was the medium of instruction for the programme. Almost everybody in the university environment communicates well in English.

Would You Recommend the Erasmus Mundus Program to Others? What Advice Would You Give to Someone Considering This Scholarship?

As potential postgraduate students with a background in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering with an interest in advancing analytical instrumentation and measurements in facets of the economy, EACH is the best thing you can opt for.

To potential applicants, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and tailor your application to the requirements. Having the basics of analytical chemistry suffices.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

Creating schedules to learn local languages and network more.