Nwankwo Henry Eziefule: What It Really Takes To Become a UK Commonwealth Scholar

In 2014, a young boy stared at his JAMB result: 210. It wasn’t enough to study Medicine at his dream university. And for most people, that would have been the end of the story. But for Nwankwo Henry Eziefule, it was just the beginning.

Instead of waiting another year, he found another route — the University of Uyo’s JUPEB Advanced Level program. A year later, he didn’t just pass. He topped his class in Biology and Chemistry, earning admission straight into second-year Medicine and Surgery.

Fast forward to 2023: Henry graduated as Valedictorian, earning eight distinctions, including one in Internal Medicine — becoming the first student in his university’s history to achieve that.

Then, in 2025, out of thousands of applicants, he was selected as one of only four students at the University of Chester to receive the prestigious Commonwealth Shared Scholarship — a fully funded UK award that covers tuition, living costs, and travel for exceptional students across the Commonwealth.

Getting The UK Commonwealth Scholarship: From Application To Reality

What follows is Nwankwo Henry Eziefule’s story — a sincere, detailed account of what it really took to get the UK Commonwealth Scholarship, in his own words.

If you’ve ever dreamed of studying abroad or wondered what makes a winning scholarship application, this is for you.

Where Did It All Begin?

My dream of becoming a Commonwealth scholar was greatly inspired by a mentor who believed I was the right fit for graduate school, as well as an experience I had during my housemanship.

We had just finished our final exams in December 2022, got inducted and licensed in March 2023, and by April 2023, I started the compulsory one-year housemanship training at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa. It was during that year of service that the desire to seek graduate education took root.

What Sparked and Inspired Your Journey To Seek Graduate Education?

While serving at FMC Yenagoa, I noticed that patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes usually presented very late in their disease course—often when complications had already arisen. This was the same pattern we observed back in our 400-level days, which had prompted me to co-found a student-led NGO called Health Compass Initiative (HCI).

Our aim with HCI was twofold: first, to create awareness in communities, villages, and marketplaces through community health education; and second, to provide free NCD-related screening services—like glucose and blood pressure checks—during our outreaches.

Then, an event made everything visceral. I was on call one day in August 2023 during an Internal Medicine rotation when a very young woman was rushed in. She had slumped at work and was brought to the hospital unconscious. She showed neurological signs, but we lost her within minutes. The diagnosis was hemorrhagic stroke. That really shook me.

It became painfully clear how prevalent these issues were—and to truly address them, we needed more than community efforts. As important as those were, we needed systemic solutions. That was when I started actively seeking more expertise to upskill. The value of graduate education, which I had already discussed with a mentor, became crystal clear.

Thankfully, most graduate applications open between September and December, so I began applying just a month after that tragic loss.

How Did You Research And Narrow Down Programs to Apply For?

In the beginning, it felt like information overload. I was asking myself: What should I apply for? Where should I apply? Which program fits best? It all felt like a lot.

But we live in good times—there’s information everywhere. On YouTube, LinkedIn, and Google, the answers are there if you look. On YouTube, I found Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi’s and YouLead International’s content incredibly helpful. On LinkedIn, Banda Khalifa’s posts provided lots of insight into graduate school applications. I like to do due diligence, so I spent time going through these resources carefully and also sought clarification from mentors.

Then I made a list of programs I wanted to apply for. Initially, I considered schools in the US, but I discovered I needed some money for things like WES evaluation, SOPHAS application, or application fees for schools that didn’t offer waivers. So I prioritised UK schools, as most didn’t require application fees.

I targeted schools that offered fully funded scholarships. Although there were many options, three stood out: the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, and Chevening. Chevening was big on robust leadership and required two years of work experience, so I felt that might not be the best fit for me at the time.

I narrowed my applications to programs that appealed to me and had funding through the Commonwealth Commission or the MasterCard Scholars Program. The rule with graduate school applications is to apply to as many programs as you’re eligible for. So I applied to both MPH programs and the MSc in Cardiovascular Health and Rehabilitation at the University of Chester.

By God’s grace, I received a nomination for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship at Chester and was shortlisted as a reserve for the MPH at the University of Warwick.

One thing to note is that most scholarships have strict opening and closing dates. It’s important to plan early so you’re not rushing at the last minute.

What Kept You Going Through the Challenges of Applying For Graduate School?

Sincerely, it’s not easy. People see your success and congratulate you, but applying for graduate school is hard work.

For instance, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship requires about 11 essays—some 500 words, others 300, 250, 200, or even 100 words. There are a lot of essays, and during the process, moments of doubt come. You begin to wonder: Am I good enough?

The Commonwealth Scholarship is one of the most competitive in the world. Applicants come from across the Commonwealth—Ghana, Pakistan, India, Nigeria, and beyond—so self-doubt is almost inevitable. Even as someone who graduated top of my class, volunteered widely, and had leadership experience, I still questioned myself.

Good friends helped. They reminded me of past challenges I’d overcome. Having people to talk to during vulnerable moments is crucial. My mentor also helped—she reviewed my drafts tirelessly despite her busy schedule.

Sometimes, I used affirmations or revisited pictures of my previous achievements. They reminded me I could succeed again.

I spent about a month on my Commonwealth Shared application, which was intense. So my advice: if you can start early, please do. The essays take time—you’ll need to write, revise, and have others review them.

Who and What Played a Big Role in Helping You During The Process?

You can’t do this alone—it’s practically impossible. Like I said, I had help.

After emerging as the best graduating student, I made sure to connect with people I respected on platforms like LinkedIn. One teacher, Dr. Uchechukwu Eziagu, took a deep interest in my growth. Early in our conversation, he asked me a critical question:
“Henry, what are your short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals—and how do you intend to reach them?”

I already had a framework, but he noticed gaps and helped me refine it. For instance, some of my goals required financing I hadn’t planned for, so he helped me think critically and offered practical solutions. His guidance was eye-opening and life-changing.

When I started my applications, he stood by me—not only as a mentor but also as a referee across multiple programs. Referees are very busy people, so his support meant a lot. He made a tremendous difference in my journey—offering clarity, guidance, and encouragement all the way through.

Another key figure was my mentor, Dr. Victory Ekpin—a Commonwealth scholar herself who completed an MPH for Development at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. I discovered her through a LinkedIn post and reached out. She responded graciously, shared her number, and has guided me ever since. She proofread my essays and CV, offered feedback, and made a world of difference.

And then there were friends—so many who supported me and kept me motivated during tough moments.

What Were The Biggest Challenges You Faced While Applying For The Programs?

The biggest challenge was self-doubt.

This journey isn’t rosy. You’ll face rejections along the way. It’s not as if I applied to one school and got in—no. I applied to multiple programs. For some, I was waitlisted; for others, I didn’t even hear back. Some sent outright rejections.

I got admitted to the MPhil in Obesity, Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Cambridge, but didn’t secure funding. I also got interviewed for the MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine at Oxford but wasn’t selected. So even getting close doesn’t always mean success—but that’s part of the process.

That’s why people often say: apply to multiple programs. You only need one “yes” to change your life’s trajectory.

For some, the challenge is finding referees. I was lucky—my lecturers at the University of Uyo were amazing. Professor U.S. Ekanem, Dr. Christie Akwaowo, and my mentor Dr. Uchechukwu Eziagu, all supported me wholeheartedly. They made all the difference.

Still, dealing with rejection was tough. I had to remind myself that I was capable and deserving, even when outcomes said otherwise.

What Were Some Surprising Discoveries You Made Along the Way?

Many people think academic excellence is enough. It isn’t. You need more than good grades.

On top of academic success, you must show a clear trajectory—leadership, advocacy, volunteering, and research experience. What roles have you played? What impact have you made? What have you learned?

One thing I learned—thanks to my mentor—is that academic excellence opens the door, but it doesn’t keep it open. You need the full package: a record of impact, initiative, and consistency.

Where Are You Now In This Journey?

In Nigeria, my lecturers worked hard despite systemic challenges. But here, the difference is striking. Everyone is encouraged to contribute during class; there’s no fear. There are group discussions, active learning, and incredible support services—academic writing, maths, digital literacy—you name it.

My course is taught in blocks followed by assessments that come in different forms: essays, presentations, MCQs, and more. Tutors are approachable and genuinely supportive. The system just works.

We have a diverse cohort—over 50 students from different countries—each bringing unique perspectives. It’s been a truly holistic learning experience, and I’ve tried to immerse myself fully. It’s been amazing.

What Did You Wish You Had Known Before Starting Your Journey? (Advice for Someone Starting Now)

For someone starting now, I’d say: take your time and do your research. That’s one thing that’s very, very important—it really helped my journey.

Do your research. Know what you’re qualified to apply for. For instance, I didn’t consider Chevening much initially because I thought they were too focused on leadership, and I wasn’t sure I had enough experience. But sometimes, it’s not good to rule yourself out. I psychologically ruled myself out, and that’s one thing to avoid—don’t rule yourself out.

When looking at opportunities, start with the basics. Most schools will require a valid passport, undergraduate certificate, and transcripts. You’ll also need to meet English language requirements—but UK schools are often flexible. Many accept WAEC or proof that your undergraduate degree was taught in English instead of IELTS or TOEFL. You’ll also need to prepare a personal statement and get strong recommendation letters—these are essential.

Be cautious. You can handle the process yourself—I did everything on my own. Be careful with agents who promise too much; many charge unnecessary fees for things you can easily do. Take ownership of your process—it teaches you a lot.

Some schools offer partial scholarships, which are great, but if you’re after fully funded options, they may not help much. Clarify your priorities early.

You don’t have to spend a lot during the application process if you plan carefully. This is where due diligence helps. I targeted schools without application fees, and for one that did—Warwick—I applied for a waiver and got it.

Beyond logistics, think critically about your essays, statements, and scholarship questions. Graduate applications make you reflect deeply on your journey—what you’ve achieved, what matters to you, and where you’re headed next. You can’t include everything, so evaluate carefully and focus on what aligns with your future goals.

Once you’ve identified opportunities, evaluated them critically, and confirmed you meet the basic criteria, you stand a chance. Don’t rule yourself out.

If there’s one thing I wish I’d known earlier, it’s that I shouldn’t have ruled myself out from opportunities I was qualified for. I should have just applied. But I’m here now—and I’m grateful.

What Are You Looking Forward to Next?

Most MSc programs in the UK last one year. After completion, I plan to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained from this program to become a more complete and effective doctor.

Cardiovascular health and rehabilitation are areas still developing in Nigeria. I intend to integrate these principles into patient care and advocate for stronger systems by engaging policymakers—from my House of Assembly member to the Commissioner of Health—about how urgent this issue is.

Let’s see how it unfolds. I’m hopeful and grateful for the journey ahead.

Conclusion: The Real Prize Isn’t The Scholarship, It’s You.

The Commonwealth Scholarship is very prestigious, and the standards are very high. But the scholarship didn’t make Henry exceptional. He already was. 

The application simply demanded that he prove it—to himself first, then to everyone else.

So, what does it take to get the Commonwealth scholarship?

• It takes honesty—digging through your story, confronting both your wins and failures. 
• It takes humility—reaching out, listening hard, admitting you can’t do it alone.
• It takes clarity—distilling years of effort into numerous essays that cut straight to the core of who you are and where you are headed.
• It takes execution—not just talk or plans, but action. Chasing referees. Sending emails. And,
• It takes luck—or like Henry loves to say, “God can help a man.”, quoting Chinaza Samuel Adibe.

Ultimately, the real prize isn’t the scholarship. It’s you.

The prize is the person who doesn’t only work hard, but also spots and seizes opportunities — who refuses to self-reject and believes they can, even before there’s proof.

So if you’re serious about getting the commonwealth’s scholarship, start early and don’t be discouraged.

Do the research. Write your story. Ask for help. Go all in.

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Commonwealth Shared Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Take your shot. Maybe your story will be the next one we tell.

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