DAAD Scholarship Recipient, Tochukwu ThankGod Okafor, Shares the Story of How He Applied for the Fully Funded Award to Pursue His Master’s in Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation at the University of Greifswald, Germany

My name is Tochukwu ThankGod Okafor. I am from Anambra State, Nigeria. I studied at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry and Wildlife. I also pursued an MSc in Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation at the University of Greifswald, Germany.

I decided to pursue the MSc degree to improve my knowledge and skills in ecology and conservation, which would enable me to achieve my goals of contributing to conserving the world’s fauna and flora species and the global fight against climate change. Climate change is an increasing global concern, exacerbated by several factors such as deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, etc.

DAAD Scholarship Details 

I was awarded a fully funded DAAD Scholarship from 2022 to 2024 for my Master's degree in Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation at the University of Greifswald, Germany.

Educational Background

I graduated from my Bachelor’s degree program with a Second class (upper division) honours. During my studies, I developed a foundation in ecology, conservation biology, GIS, forest inventory and biometrics, statistics, and data analysis, among other subjects, which provided me with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship? 

Firstly, I must admit that I only started preparing to apply for the DAAD scholarship after my graduation. However, I believe that my experiences and extra-curricular activities back in school paved the way for me. I was the Students Association’s President and engaged in several university and community conservation programs, which motivated me to explore more about my course.

Furthermore, during my Bachelor’s studies, I embarked on internships at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, and the Okomu National Park. After graduation, I worked and also volunteered in several organisations. All these equipped me with a blend of scientific knowledge, research skills, and interdisciplinary approaches, making me well-prepared to contribute to and excel in post-graduate studies. My hard work eventually paid off, and I was very fortunate to have won the DAAD scholarship on my first attempt.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

No, I didn’t take any of those tests. Luckily, in the program I applied for, Nigerians were exempted from submitting those English tests, owing to the country having English as its official language.

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

Not at all. The English language is the medium of instruction /examination in the MSc Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation program at the University of Greifswald.

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

I would advise them to first of all understand the scholarship’s mission, eligibility, and selection criteria. Then, tailor their application to show how their goals align with the scholarship’s mission and how well they fit into the program of their choice. Also, they should show their future potential. Scholarship committees seek candidates who will contribute back to their communities or fields. Finally, go beyond grades! Emphasise research projects, fieldwork, internships, or volunteer experiences that showcase your commitment to your chosen area of study.