Scholarship / A finance professional - Government of Ireland International Scholarship [2]

Good day Holt and Community Members. Kindly help review my Essay for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship

1.) What is the benefit of becoming a GOI-IES Scholar, to yourself (personally and professionally), to Ireland, and to your country of origin? MAX 500 Words

Growing up, I watched my father carefully run our small family eatery. Every naira mattered; one careless purchase could mean wasted food, lost customers, or a struggling family. These early experiences sparked my curiosity about how businesses and economies operate. This led me to pursue a degree in Economics at Babcock University, where I built a strong foundation in economic and financial principles. I am now eager to build on this foundation through a Master's in Business, specialising in Economics and Finance.

Becoming a GOI-IES scholar would make me the first in my family to study abroad, inspiring my younger brother and others from similar backgrounds. The scholarship would also reduce financial strain on my family, allowing me to focus on my studies. Growing up with limited resources taught me financial discipline, which I applied during university by helping peers manage their pocket money. In my current role, I have seen colleagues struggle with overspending and financial pressure, leading to poor financial decisions. Since financial literacy is rarely taught in schools, I began writing short articles and sharing tips with staff, customers, and peers to help them manage their finances and avoid fraud. This growing commitment led to my long-term goal of developing scalable financial literacy programmes for underserved communities in Nigeria.

Professionally, SETU's MBS programme offers modules such as Financial Risk and Compliance Management and Contemporary Issues in Business, both of which are directly aligned with the career I have built in audit and finance. Financial Risk and Compliance Management will enhance my expertise in regulatory oversight and internal control, while Contemporary Issues in Business will deepen my understanding of ethical finance and evolving global practices I can apply in Nigeria and other emerging markets. The AIB Centre for Finance and Business Research is a key reason I want to study at SETU. Its focus on ethical finance and regulatory compliance aligns with my interest in RegTech and will build on my understanding of AML and KYC frameworks. The Centre will equip me with the tools needed to address systemic trust issues in Nigeria's financial sector and help me design secure, transparent systems that protect the underserved communities I hope to serve.

One way I hope to contribute to Ireland is through active volunteer work. I plan to join Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI), which reaches over 60,000 students annually with the help of volunteers. Beyond classroom activities, I will share practical financial models from Nigeria, such as community-based savings groups like 'Ajo' or 'Esusu', and mobile-first approaches that promote financial inclusion. These traditional savings methods foster trust, accountability, and discipline, aligning with Ireland's National Financial Literacy Strategy.

Ireland's National Financial Literacy Strategy and SETU's link to the AIB Centre for Finance and Business Research reflect the kind of applied thinking I need to address low financial literacy and weak compliance culture in Nigeria. Through RegTech research and exposure to Ireland's regulatory frameworks, I will be empowered to improve transparency, rebuild trust, and advance financial literacy across Nigeria's underserved sectors.

(I am not familiar with this site but I noticed only threads with the @username could be replied to. I don't know if that's the same with mine but I added my @ below)
@Iykeibe

Scholarship / Cultural immersion - As a GOI-IES scholar, how will you extend yourself beyond your project/studies [2]

This is the second question for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship

2. As a GOI-IES scholar, how will you extend yourself beyond your project/studies to become actively involved in Irish society to maximize your academic/cultural exchange experience and raise awareness of the GOI-IES scheme in Ireland and beyond? (15 marks) MAX 500 WORDS

As a GOI-IES scholar, studying in Ireland is more than an academic goal; it is a chance to build real connections, share stories that matter, and engage in meaningful cultural exchange. I see this experience as living and interactive, not just a programme requirement, and I plan to fully immerse myself in Irish life while bringing a piece of Nigeria with me.

I will begin by joining local communities and volunteering with organisations such as the Irish Red Cross and Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI). Through JAI, I can share financial literacy tips with young students, linking lessons to my background in economics while learning from Ireland's inclusive educational approaches. I will introduce basic concepts like opportunity cost and needs versus wants to help students make smarter financial decisions. Volunteering with the Irish Red Cross will allow me to contribute my skills and observe how community resilience is built, drawing on my experience providing first aid to participants and coordinators during Nigeria's National Youth Service Corps programme. These activities will create authentic engagement and a two-way cultural exchange.

Cultural immersion will be at the heart of my journey. I plan to actively participate in Irish festivals, such as St. Patrick's Day and the Waterford Harvest Festival, experiencing local customs, music, and storytelling. I will also collaborate with the SETU African Society to host small 'Taste of Nigeria' events during cultural programmes, sharing traditional dishes like jollof rice and oha soup while narrating the stories behind them. I remember hosting a small dinner for friends in Lagos, where cooking these dishes sparked conversations and connection, which I hope to recreate in Ireland. I believe food is a powerful bridge for sharing culture and values.

Beyond in-person experiences, I will share this exchange digitally through a themed Medium publication titled Bridging Cultures: Ireland & Nigeria. This mini-series will highlight my journey as a GOI-IES scholar, showcase cultural stories and sustainability practices in Ireland, and share ethical finance lessons from my Master's studies. It will also provide practical advice for international students looking to study in Ireland. I also plan to take part in online interviews and videos on education-focused YouTube platforms like SETUIreland and EducationinIrelandAfrica, sharing my GOI-IES journey and tips for studying abroad. This will include sessions like 'Q&A with South East Technological University,' where I will discuss academic life, cultural experiences, and practical advice for students. Additionally, I will share highlights of my experience and lifestyle on my LinkedIn page, including through SETU's #SetuStudentSpotlightSeries, to raise awareness of the GOI-IES scheme and inspire future scholars.

Finally, through volunteering, cultural immersion, and knowledge-sharing, I aim to leave Ireland with more than a degree. I want to leave footprints of friendship, shared wisdom, and cultural understanding. By building bridges between Ireland and Nigeria, I aim to show how learning across borders can spark lasting change. I will carry these lessons home through workshops on financial literacy and cultural exchange, empowering young Nigerians to be agents of change in their communities.

Scholarship / Extent of active participation in Ireland as a student Essay for Goi-Ies scholarship [2]

This is the 3rd essay prompt and my answer

. Explain the extent to which you have a long-term interest in Ireland and how you will promote links with Ireland during your time as a GOI-IES scholar and following your studies, as GOI-IES alumni. (15 marks) MAX 500 WORDS

Ireland has always stood out to me as a place where education, innovation, and culture come together. Major banks like Citi and State Street run European operations there, and the country is a growing hub for fintech and sustainable finance. Studying in this environment will show me how ethical, modern finance works in practice.

In class, I want to connect theory with practice through case discussions focused on Irish firms, data-driven projects, and industry talks that allow me to apply what I am learning. Outside the classroom, I will seek exposure through internships at banks like AIB and Permanent TSB. At UBA, I learned about risk culture and controls, and now I want to see how Irish banks balance innovation with compliance. My goal is simple. I want to learn what 'good' looks like and carry those lessons home.

I also plan to engage as a student ambassador with Education in Ireland. I enjoy answering honest questions about costs, housing, course load and part-time work, and I want to share my wins and challenges so applicants get a real picture. As a member of ScholarshipDreamers, a small community where essays are peer-reviewed and scholarship applicants supported, I know the value of honest guidance. GOI-IES will give me the credibility to host informational sessions, including webinars and Q&A forums for prospective students from Nigeria and West Africa, while emphasising Ireland's strengths and guiding applicants suited for its universities.

I am deeply passionate about financial literacy, an area that aligns closely with Ireland's new National Financial Literacy Strategy (2025-2029). I am coming not as an expert, but as someone eager to learn and share knowledge. I hope to volunteer at CALMAST's SETU STEM Entrepreneurship Summer Camp, where I will introduce secondary school students preparing for higher education to beginner-friendly sessions on budgeting, saving, and managing their personal finances. The camp will also give me the chance to learn about ethical business practices and their application from entrepreneurs across different sectors. Through this experience, I will customise what I learn into practical financial literacy content for Nigerian youth, creating relevant materials to benefit both countries. This is not just about me. My dream is to pass the torch, sharing knowledge that outlives me. If I can ignite that passion in others, then even after I leave Ireland, the flame of financial empowerment will keep burning.

Ireland represents growth, service, and connection. Its spirit of 'craic' mirrors the warmth I grew up with in Nigeria. I want to learn from a financial ecosystem that merges ethics with innovation and to contribute actively to campus life. Post-graduation, I will remain engaged through alumni networks and finance initiatives, mentoring future scholars and co-developing at least two joint financial literacy programmes for youth in Ireland and Nigeria. These efforts will directly contribute to Ireland's strategic goal for financial services outlined in Ireland for Finance 2026-2030, especially its newly launched National Financial Literacy Strategy, by promoting financial freedom and intercultural exchange between both countries.