A bright Nigerian man flew to Pennsylvania after receiving three PhD scholarships to the US without a master’s degree.
AFRICA | Despite lacking a master’s degree, Kehinde Kolapo, a resolute Nigerian, has been awarded three fully funded PhD scholarships in the United States.
Kehinde earned a bachelor’s degree in pure and applied biology from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Nigeria. He started applying to graduate programs with the goal of pursuing his education abroad.
His first attempts, meanwhile, were repeatedly turned down. Every application he has submitted since 2020 has been met with disappointment.
But instead of giving up, he learned from every rejection. He meticulously examined criticism, improved his application materials, and persevered with newfound vigor.
Kehinde persevered for years, until it finally paid off. Three fully financed PhD offers from top US colleges were extended to him for the Fall 2024 application session.
Fall, Spring, and Summer terms—basically, September, January, and May intake—make up the academic year in the United States. Every year, the autumn application period usually starts in August or September.
These include Penn State University, where Kehinde conducted his dissertation study, the University of Vermont, and the University of Texas in Arlington.
Before starting doctoral study, most researchers obtain a master’s degree. Nevertheless, Kehinde was directly admitted to PhD programs due to his outstanding academic record and solid research background in entomology, the scientific study of insects.
As he considered his accomplishments, Kehinde realized that he had not done it alone. He gave credit to a number of people who were crucial to his development.
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He admitted that Olamide Adigun was the one who initially introduced him to graduate school applications, carefully going over the basics with him and providing a CV template that allowed him to hone his strategy.
Kehinde added that Samuel Olumide was instrumental in going over his statements several times and offering prompt, helpful criticism.
Dr. Titilayo Falade, Kehinde’s mentor at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), emphasized the value of mental health while preparing him for the demands of graduate school. Dr. Nutifafa encouraged him through tough times and assisted with essay reviews.
As he reflected on his experience, Kehinde discussed the lessons he learnt during his application process and underlined the value of self-belief and mentoring.
“It’s not just about setting lofty goals; it’s also about identifying your value and effectively communicating it in every application,” Kehinde stated.
It has nothing to do with the number of applications you send in or the institutions’ reputation. How much do you believe in yourself? is the true question. Even when you’re nearly exhausted, do you have individuals who still believe in you? He went on.
