Hi, I'm applying for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES), and this is my response to the following prompt:
What is the benefit of becoming a GOI-IES scholar, to yourself (personally and professionally), to the HEI, to Ireland, and to your country of origin? if you could help me and review I would be grateful
Becoming a Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship scholar would be a turning point for me because it bridges the gap between the experience I already have and the deeper understanding I now know I need.
I began my studies in Theatre and Performing Arts. But during a development communication fieldwork in Pampaida, a rural village in northern Nigeria, something changed for me. Through community workshops addressing early marriage and social development, I watched participants begin questioning long-accepted practices. That experience showed me how media can shape how people understand their lives and choices.
After graduating, I moved into media production. I worked on programmes like Backstory, which looks beyond headlines to understand why events unfold the way they do in Nigeria. I also hosted and wrote political commentary during the 2023 Nigerian elections. I learnt alot, but I also became aware of my limitations. I knew how to create content, but I did not fully understand the systems behind media or how narratives are constructed.
The scholarship would give me the opportunity to pursue the MA in Media Studies at Mary Immaculate College without the financial pressure. Courses like Critical Issues in Media Theory and Mass Media Research Methods would help me better understand how media shapes power, representation, and public thinking. Personally, it would sharpen how I analyse media messages. Professionally, it would guide me in creating projects that are not just engaging but thoughtful and socially responsible.
I would also add value to the host institution. Living and working in media during the #EndSARS protests and during periods of insecurity in northern Nigeria gave me first-hand experience of how media can shape public reaction in tense moments. That perspective would broaden classroom conversations beyond mainly European contexts. I also plan to engage with groups such as Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Interculturalism and the Drama Society, bringing a Global South perspective shaped by lived experience.
For Ireland, I would serve as an informal ambassador in practical ways. Through my writing and media projects, I would openly reference the training and perspective I gained in Ireland. As an Ahmadu Bello University alumnus, I would share what I learn with students who are considering postgraduate study, especially around media ethics and public service standards. I would also use my social media platforms to speak about the GOI-IES scholarship and guide interested applicants through the process. In doing this, I would help more qualified Nigerians see Ireland as a serious academic option.
For Nigeria, the impact is direct. Many young Nigerians feel disconnected from public institutions because official communication often does not align with how they consume information. With stronger academic training, I intend to develop youth-focused media initiatives, documentaries, digital explainers, and participatory storytelling platforms that break down complex policies into accessible formats and encourage informed civic engagement.
Becoming a GOI-IES scholar would not simply advance my education. It would deepen my understanding and allow me to contribute more responsibly to media conversations in both Ireland and Nigeria.
What is the benefit of becoming a GOI-IES scholar, to yourself (personally and professionally), to the HEI, to Ireland, and to your country of origin? if you could help me and review I would be grateful
Becoming a Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship scholar would be a turning point for me because it bridges the gap between the experience I already have and the deeper understanding I now know I need.
I began my studies in Theatre and Performing Arts. But during a development communication fieldwork in Pampaida, a rural village in northern Nigeria, something changed for me. Through community workshops addressing early marriage and social development, I watched participants begin questioning long-accepted practices. That experience showed me how media can shape how people understand their lives and choices.
After graduating, I moved into media production. I worked on programmes like Backstory, which looks beyond headlines to understand why events unfold the way they do in Nigeria. I also hosted and wrote political commentary during the 2023 Nigerian elections. I learnt alot, but I also became aware of my limitations. I knew how to create content, but I did not fully understand the systems behind media or how narratives are constructed.
The scholarship would give me the opportunity to pursue the MA in Media Studies at Mary Immaculate College without the financial pressure. Courses like Critical Issues in Media Theory and Mass Media Research Methods would help me better understand how media shapes power, representation, and public thinking. Personally, it would sharpen how I analyse media messages. Professionally, it would guide me in creating projects that are not just engaging but thoughtful and socially responsible.
I would also add value to the host institution. Living and working in media during the #EndSARS protests and during periods of insecurity in northern Nigeria gave me first-hand experience of how media can shape public reaction in tense moments. That perspective would broaden classroom conversations beyond mainly European contexts. I also plan to engage with groups such as Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Interculturalism and the Drama Society, bringing a Global South perspective shaped by lived experience.
For Ireland, I would serve as an informal ambassador in practical ways. Through my writing and media projects, I would openly reference the training and perspective I gained in Ireland. As an Ahmadu Bello University alumnus, I would share what I learn with students who are considering postgraduate study, especially around media ethics and public service standards. I would also use my social media platforms to speak about the GOI-IES scholarship and guide interested applicants through the process. In doing this, I would help more qualified Nigerians see Ireland as a serious academic option.
For Nigeria, the impact is direct. Many young Nigerians feel disconnected from public institutions because official communication often does not align with how they consume information. With stronger academic training, I intend to develop youth-focused media initiatives, documentaries, digital explainers, and participatory storytelling platforms that break down complex policies into accessible formats and encourage informed civic engagement.
Becoming a GOI-IES scholar would not simply advance my education. It would deepen my understanding and allow me to contribute more responsibly to media conversations in both Ireland and Nigeria.
