Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship Scholar Udemeobong Akpan from Nigeria Shares Their Journey of Securing a Fully Funded MSc at the University of Stirling, United Kingdom

My name is Udemeobong Akpan, a Nigeria-based school mental health counsellor and private practitioner at mytherapist.ng. Driven by the aspiration to be a professional helper in the psychological and humanitarian sectors, I completed an MSc in Dementia Studies at the University of Stirling in 2025. This journey was fuelled by a deeply personal "why" that took root in December 2020 when my maternal grandmother began showing signs of cognitive decline. Witnessing her episodes of confusion and disorientation, combined with the public struggles of Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs, highlighted a desperate need for dementia education in my country and strengthened my resolve to become a specialist in this field.

How Did You Find Information About Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship? Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? How Did You Prepare for Them?

Securing the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship, which covered my full tuition, required a strategic approach. With a first-degree GPA of 4.10, I utilized platforms like "Opportunity For Africans", "Opportunity Desk", and the CSC website to find the right fit. I spent almost two weeks searching through the CSC database of courses and institutions before deciding on my best fit. My preparation was rigorous; because I was working full-time, I spent a month drafting essays late at night. I even went as far as googling past scholarship recipients to assess their successful essays and learn from their writing styles. Despite a major setback where my first transcript application was lost just three weeks before the deadline, I pushed through, re-applied, and secured four strong references from professors, my former employer, and a colleague.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because of the intentional depth I brought to my responses. Beyond my personal story, I conducted careful research and interviewed healthcare practitioners in my community to answer development impact questions with relevant, local data. This allowed me to present a clear career plan that demonstrated how the degree would serve Nigeria. Furthermore, I believe my profile was strengthened by a well-rounded combination of work history, volunteering, leadership (particularly at my workplace and at More Leadership Academy, MLA), and research experiences (my undergraduate research and two co-published journal articles).

How Is (was) Your Experience at the University of Stirling?

My academic experience at the University of Stirling was awesome. The tutors were remarkably patient and proactive, always reaching out to ensure I was on track. Whenever I struggled to understand a specific task, they took the time to explain the requirements with a sense of calm that made the learning process manageable. The program was incredibly inclusive, carrying everyone along regardless of whether they were already practicing dementia professionals or new to the field. Navigating the coursework was made easier by an intuitive Learning Management System (LMS) and a student support centre that was always handy and quick to respond to my concerns.
While I have not yet completely pivoted my career to dementia management, the knowledge I gained has been life-changing for my family, allowing us to track my grandmother’s milestones and provide her with optimum care. I am currently working toward partnering with care centres and hospitals that support dementia patients and their families.

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

Looking back, the only thing I would change is starting the process even earlier to avoid the stress of those midnight writing sessions.

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

For those seeking similar opportunities, my advice is to tell the story of why your work matters with total clarity and to choose your courses and university strategically. Research institutions with higher offer rates and target specialized courses that align with national development priorities but may have lesser competition. Leverage the "Path of Least Resistance". Many students flock to "big name" universities like Oxford or Cambridge. While these are excellent, the competition is astronomical. Look for highly rated but slightly less "famous" institutions (like the University of Stirling for specialized social and health studies). These universities are often just as academically rigorous but may have more capacity to provide the personalized tutor support and quick-response student services that are vital for distance learners. Map out a clear path for how you will employ your new knowledge, and ensure your referees are prepared to write outstanding references that reflect your full potential.