University of Turku Scholar, Okunlola Muhammad Toyeeb from Nigeria, Shares the Story of How He Secured the Fully Funded Award to Pursue His Master’s in Software Engineering in Finland

My name is Okunlola Muhammad Toyeeb, and I am from Nigeria. I am currently a Master’s degree student in Software Engineering at the University of Turku. I decided to tread this path because my professional and research interests lie at the intersection of software engineering, human-computer interaction, and accessibility. I have an unwavering goal of bridging the gaps between modern software technology and marginalized communities.

University of Turku Scholarship Details

I am a recipient of the University of Turku Scholarship. The scholarship covers 100% of the tuition fee.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Information and Communication Science from the prestigious University of Ilorin, where I graduated as the only First-Class and Best graduating student with a CGPA of 4.56/5.00. Beyond academic activities, I was also actively involved in volunteering activities during my undergraduate studies. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I took MOOC courses in areas of software engineering and human-computer interaction to expand my knowledge.

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

I first learned about the Finland scholarship through a YouTube video posted by a senior colleague. I reached out to him, and fortunately, he has a mentorship group; I joined the mentorship group. I attended all sessions, asked questions, and followed the instructions. This support played a significant role in shaping my application strategy.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests?

Yes, I wrote the TOEFL

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Turku Scholarship?

As I said, I joined a mentorship group that played a huge role in how I applied for the University of Turku Scholarship. I prepared to present myself as a top candidate by highlighting what the scholarship body looks for, connecting my motivation letter to my personal story, and getting a recommendation letter from undergraduate lecturers. My goal was to show both academic excellence and a compelling personal story.

How Does the University of Turku Support International Students? 

The University of Turku supports international students really well. Through different programmes provided by the university, you will always feel integrated into the system.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Finnish? 

Yes. All my classes are conducted in the English Language. Though there are some master’s courses in Finnish, the university clearly indicates which courses use which language.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing Finnish?

No. English is widely spoken in the academic area. So, from an academic standpoint, students can manage without Finnish.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Truth be told, good grades played a huge role in my application, but I still want to tell you it’s not enough if you look at the number of applicants with good grades. What makes a real difference is your motivation letter. So, I think my motivation letter is a big factor in how my application turned out. I tried to connect my background, experiences, and goals to the programme.

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

I am not sure there is any.

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

If you’re still in school, prioritize your grades. Yes, it’s not enough because I learned that after facing many rejections, but it’s the first thing that will open doors of possibilities for you. Take courses online to expand your knowledge, network, and stand out. People don’t talk enough about how important volunteering is. Volunteer in your community, give back to your community as much as you can. This will show the scholarship body you’re worth investing in.