Idris Yusuf Ayab, a graduate of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) from the Department of Forestry and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, had recently won a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to pursue his master’s program in international forestry. Idris was supposed to graduate from the university in 2021; however, he graduated in 2023 due to an ASUU and Corona virus break with a cumulative CGPA of 4.59, earning him a First Class Degree with honours.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship with less privilege for outstanding African students. The application process comprises an application form, essays, recommendation letters, CVs, and so on, after which one awaits the result, which often comes out in batches.
Idris Yusuf started in the first round and emerged victorious in the final round, which is a live interview with other scholars. He prepared vigorously for the processes, getting all required documents and following due processes.
In his words, “I followed due processes, provided every requirement to the best of my ability, and prayed vehemently for success.”
GNI Provides the Foundation For my Scholarship Journey — Idris Says
Prior to his graduation, he was a pioneer member of the Greenline Nurture Initiative Academic Mentorship Programme, founded by two lecturers at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Prof. Jimoh Olaiya Amzat of the Department of Sociology and Dr. Kazeem Aremu of the Department of Mathematics.
The Greenline Nurture Initiative is an academic mentorship program that aims to train final-year students on preparing for life after campus, including seeking scholarship opportunities to study abroad, job interviews, life after campus, and beyond the walls of classrooms.
Idris told PEN PRESS how he applied for over ten scholarship applications, where he got five rejections before the sixth one came in as a congratulation.
He said, “It’s not easy when I want to begin my scholarship applications. I try to do away with unnecessary things that may distract my attention. I went ahead to delete all my social media handles except WhatsApp for serious communication, Telegram for scholarship searches, and Twitter for professional connections and guidance from prospective scholars. It started when I began my NYSC in Niger State. I applied for over 10 scholarships, which I met their requirements for, got five rejections, and was congratulated on the sixth one.”
Idris noted how he was not discouraged by the number of rejections he got and only kept hoping for the best. In his words, “I know good things don’t come easy; therefore, I was never demotivated by the failures because I knew I met the requirements and never stopped praying. I was confident in every application I submitted, and Allah granted me the best among them.”
Idris Yusuf appreciates the Greenline Nurture Initiative for providing the foundation for his scholarship journey. He noted that the professional mentorship training he received from the initiative has been an important step to achieving his success. One of the things he will never forget in the mentorship program is to always ensure that when you apply for a scholarship, you meet their requirements.
The mentorship program serves as an eye-opener for him in areas like draughting CVs and personal statements and also leveraging the success stories of invited facilitators. He said, “I will always owe GNI a debt of appreciation and won’t hesitate to contribute if requested to.”
As an Undergraduate Strive to Graduate With at Least a 2.1 — Idris Advises
Idris Yusuf advised undergraduate students to make sure they graduate with a good grade of at least a 2.1, and to engage in community service and volunteer work. He noted how his two recommendation letters submitted for the scholarship were from the organisations he volunteered with.
He also emphasised the importance of getting all potential documents needed in your scholarship journey, such as a transcript, CV, and international passport, among others.
On a final note, he encourages students to always have a good rapport with their lectures, as they will always be an important part of their transition to graduate school. He extended his gratitude to his lecturer, Prof. Shamaki, who helped him and stood by him during his scholarship process.