"Resilience pays off": Graduate secures Mastercard scholarship in Canada

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Khadijat Sikirulahi overcome disappointment to secure Mastercard Foundation Scholarship for UBC's Master of Sustainable Forest Management

- Her journey from rejected medicine applicant to motivated forestry scholar inspires many across Africa

- Social media celebrated Khadijat's resilience and triumph amid challenges faced in her academic pursuit

Khadijat Sikirulahi, a graduate from the University of Ibadan (UI), recently celebrated a significant achievement after being awarded a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to study at the University of British Columbia in Canada.

Her story, which began with disappointment over her admission to a forestry programme rather than her desired medicine course, has now inspired many across the continent.

Initial dreams dashed

When Khadijat first received her admission letter to the University of Ibadan, she was devastated to discover that she was slated to study forestry instead of her long-held dream of becoming a medical doctor.

This unexpected news left her emotional and even led to a period of ill health, reflecting the depth of her disappointment.

However, instead of giving up, Khadijat sought out alternative paths, reattempting the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams and applying to other universities to study Medicine and Surgery. Unfortunately, each of these attempts fell short.

Embracing new possibilities

Eventually, Khadijat resolved to embrace the course she had initially resisted.

She began to fully engage with her studies in forestry, uncovering a newfound passion for biodiversity and climate resilience.

By her second year, her outlook had completely transformed; instead of wishing to escape her programme, she found herself genuinely invested in the field and eager to explore its complexities.

A leap towards greatness

Upon completing her undergraduate studies, Khadijat aimed for postgraduate opportunities abroad.

She became proactive sending emails to professors, researching programmes, and submitting numerous scholarship applications.

Her persistence paid off after submitting six applications last year.

She was selected as one of only 42 Mastercard Foundation Scholars for the University of British Columbia's Master of Sustainable Forest Management programme, standing out among over 11,000 applicants from across Africa.

In a post shared on LinkedIn on August 21, 2026, Khadijat expressed gratitude towards her lecturers for their unwavering support, as well as her family and fellow scholars who aided her transition to this new chapter in Canada.

Netizens celebrate the graduate

Several social media users offered congratulations and shared their personal connections to Khadijat's journey.

@Olatomide Ojajune said:

"Congratulations Scholar Khadijat Sikirulahi. Your story reminded me of my journey into Forestry. From Microbiology dreams to forestry, even having to convince family I won't end up becoming a carpenter."

@Kehinde Yusuf said:

"Congratulations, Scholar Khadijat. Yes, indeed, a closed door could just be a redirection. I can relate to that. It's been wonderful knowing you, and I am super excited for what lies ahead. Cheers, 'Dija."

@Abdulmujeeb Adediran said:

"Masha Allah! Man proposes, God disposes. Baarakallahu feekum, Khadijat Sikirulahi. This shall be the beginning of greater things in your journey."

Nigerian Graduate Wins Master’s Scholarship at Canadian University

TUKO.co.ke reported that a Nigerian engineering graduate Kehinde Yusuf won a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship to study for a Master of Applied Science at the University of British Columbia.

She was selected as one of only 42 scholars after competing against more than 11,000 applicants. The achievement came a year after UBC had rejected her initial application.

Yusuf credited her twin sister, academic mentors and faith for helping her persevere. She described rejection as a “Next Opportunity” that ultimately pushed her closer to success.

Source: Legit.ng

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.