A brilliant Nigerian man named Ugochukwu Madu has bagged a masters degree with distinction at the University of Iowa in the United States of America.
Ugochukwu obtained his master’s degree in International relations at the University of Iowa, United States through a fully funded scholarship worth 1.5million that he earned to study for his doctorate upon finishing his undergraduate degrees.
He took to Linkedin to celebrate his achievement stating that he is glad to be the first masters holder in his family. Ugochukwu was awarded the scholarship to study for his PhD without a prior master qualification.
Ugochukwu juggles studying for his mastes with his doctoral research and he graduated with high distinctions. He said as a first-generation graduate whose parents are not educated beyond high school, his academic journey hasbeen challenging.
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He added that his academic and professional career choices were always his choice. Ugochukwu recalled that whenever he wanted to seek educational advice from his parents, they would redirect him to his teachers because they had no idea about school.
“Navigating the waters with a self-made compass. Ugo nwam, imana anyi aguro akwukwo, onweghi nke anyi ma k’esi eme. Malu ma onwe onye nkuzi ghi iga aju” (Translation: “Ugo my child, you know we didn’t go to school so we have no idea how it’s done. See if one of your teachers can advise you”),” he said.
Ugochukwu stated that he navigated through all of his challenges alone and he is glad he has come this far to achieve success.Â
Ugochukwu mentioned that as he commences the third year of my PhD program, he is dedicating his family’s first-ever master’s degree to his father and mother for sending him to school and making him fall in love with education.Â
”A minute silence for all the innocent chickens they cooked for me each time I took the first position in primary and secondary schools. They always told me, “we didn’t go to school, but our dream is to see you go to school,” he said.
He further recalled that his parents would always say they did not further their education, but their dream was to see him complete his education. Ugochukwu expressed his gratitude to them for sacrificing for him and giving him the legacy they never had.
Ugochukwu stated that he is wearing his graduation wear proudly first, as a proud international student, and second, as a highly accomplished first-generation graduate.
He said he has accomplished a lot in the first two years of his PhD program. Ugochukwu has received different notable awards including the Graduate Engagement Corps (GEC) Research Award, and the Easton Collaborative Research Award.
He also earned the Stanley Fellowship for International Research,Student Impact Research Award, Engagement, Service, and Advocacy Award, and ISAB Recognition Award. Ugochukwu was also honored by his department for receiving these awards.
Ugochukwu thanked his course Advisor adding that under his supervision he had accomplished a lot in a short while and everyone who came out to celebrate with me in the absence of my immediate family. He said they stood and cheered me on as his newfound family and friends in a new country.
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