Personal Statements

Please note that your personal statements are a key component to your application. The answers
you provide are meant to give the Scholarship Selection Committee insight into your leadership
abilities, goals and aspirations, and the impact that the scholarship would have on your personal
and professional life.

Responses should be a minimum of 250 words and maximum of 350 words each.

21.Describe why you have chosen your intended program of study at McGill University,
and how you foresee this program to impact your short and long term personal and career
goals?

Answer
I have chosen Masters of Public Policy at McGill University because of its renowned faculty,
rigorous curriculum, and the opportunities it offers for holistic growth. This program aligns
perfectly with my passion for [specific field], which I've cultivated through [mention experiences
or coursework]. The interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on [specific aspect] particularly
resonate with my academic and career aspirations.
In the short term, I foresee this program expanding my knowledge base and honing my skills in
[specific areas], providing me with a solid foundation to delve deeper into [related topics]. The
access to cutting-edge research and practical experiences at McGill will not only enhance my
academic understanding but also equip me with the practical tools needed to excel in my field.
Moreover, in the long term, I envision leveraging the expertise gained from this program to
make a meaningful impact in [industry/sector]. Whether it's through innovative research,
contributing to policy changes, or actively participating in [relevant initiatives], I aim to be a
catalyst for positive change. I believe that the multidisciplinary approach of this program will
empower me to adapt to the evolving demands of the professional landscape, enabling me to
contribute meaningfully to my field and society at large.
Overall, I am confident that McGill University's [specific program] will not only facilitate my
academic and intellectual growth but will also serve as a stepping stone towards achieving my
long-term personal and career aspirations.

22.The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to help educate the youth of today
to be leaders of tomorrow, how do you intend to use the knowledge and skills gained during
your scholarship to positively impact the African Continent?

As a recipient of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, I am deeply committed to

leveraging the knowledge and skills acquired through this scholarship to make a transformative
impact in Nigeria and in Africa at large. I recognize the immense responsibility that comes with
this opportunity and intend to channel my learning towards catalyzing positive change in several
ways.
Firstly, I aim to utilize the specialized education and training to contribute directly to
addressing pressing issues in Africa, such as poor healthcare, substandard education,
sustainable development amongst others. Whether through research initiatives, practical
projects, or community engagement, I aspire to apply innovative solutions grounded in my
acquired expertise to tackle these challenges head-on.
Secondly, I plan to actively engage with local communities and organizations, collaborating to
implement sustainable initiatives that foster socioeconomic development. By sharing knowledge,
initiating partnerships, and empowering local talent, I hope to create lasting positive impacts
that uplift communities and promote inclusive growth.
Moreover, I am committed to becoming an advocate for education and leadership development
in Africa. I aim to use my experiences and skills to mentor and inspire the next generation of
leaders, emphasizing the importance of education, innovation, and social responsibility. By
supporting and nurturing young minds, I believe we can create a ripple effect, fostering a cadre
of future leaders passionate about driving positive change across the continent.
Lastly, I aspire to contribute to policy discussions and initiatives that aim to address systemic
challenges in Africa. Through collaboration with governmental bodies, NGOs, and international
organizations, I aim to be a voice for innovative policies and strategies that prioritize
sustainable development, equity, and empowerment.
In essence, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program will not only equip me with the
necessary tools and knowledge but will also instill in me a sense of responsibility and
commitment to serve as a catalyst for positive change in Africa. I am dedicated to utilizing this
opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of people across the
continent of Africa.

23.Given the eligibility criteria and the ethos of the Scholars Program, why do you believe
that you would be a good candidate? What are some of the skills and attributes that you
will bring to the Scholars community on Campus?

I believe I am a strong candidate for the Scholars Program due to my unwavering commitment
to effecting positive change in my community and beyond. My experiences in community
engagement and leadership roles have honed my abilities to innovate, collaborate, and lead with
empathy.
I bring a blend of resilience, adaptability, and a deep-rooted passion for social impact. Through
my involvement in [mention specific initiatives or projects], I have demonstrated my ability to
navigate complex challenges, communicate effectively across diverse groups, and drive
meaningful outcomes. Moreover, my academic pursuits in Bachelor of Economics have equipped
me with a strong foundation, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for
addressing real-world issues.
I am committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment within the Scholars
community. My experiences as a practicing economist have allowed me to cultivate a supportive
environment where diverse perspectives are valued. I am eager to contribute to the community
through mentorship, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas, fostering an environment where
every voice is heard and respected.
Furthermore, my passion for education aligns perfectly with the ethos of the Program. I am
dedicated to translating my skills and knowledge into tangible initiatives that create lasting
impact, amplifying the program's mission to nurture future leaders committed to positive
change.
In summary, I bring a combination of dedication, diverse experiences, and a genuine
commitment to making a difference. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills,
perspectives, and enthusiasm to the vibrant Scholars community, contributing meaningfully to its
vision and objectives.

24.Which transformative leadership skills and competencies do you hope to develop if

selected for the scholarship?

If granted the opportunity through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, I aim to
develop a spectrum of transformative leadership skills and competencies. My foremost goal is to
refine my capacity for visionary leadership, articulating and fostering a compelling vision that
inspires collective action towards positive change. Alongside this, I am eager to enhance my
problem-solving abilities, embracing adaptive strategies that effectively address multifaceted
challenges. Collaborative influence is another key area I seek to strengthen, as I aspire to
collaborate seamlessly across diverse teams and cultures, leveraging collective strengths to
drive inclusive and impactful solutions. Building resilience and agility is essential; I aim to
cultivate the ability to navigate rapidly changing environments while staying focused on long-
term goals. Ethical and inclusive leadership is integral to my development, ensuring that
fairness, diversity, and equity remain foundational in my approach. I also seek to refine my
strategic decision-making skills, drawing upon analytical thinking and societal insights to make
informed and meaningful choices. Empowering others and fostering mentorship are areas I am
eager to cultivate, nurturing environments where individuals are encouraged to flourish. Lastly,
I aim to deepen my understanding of global issues, embracing a mindset that transcends
boundaries and enables me to engage as a responsible and empathetic global citizen. Through
this scholarship program, I envision a transformative journey that equips me with the necessary
leadership acumen to drive impactful change in my community and beyond.

25. Please summarize your current and past leadership experiences, community
involvement and/or volunteer engagement.

I've been actively engaged in various leadership roles, community initiatives, and volunteer
activities, fostering both personal growth and contributing to community development. As the
Secretary General of Veritas University Student Association, I orchestrated several impactful
projects aimed at promoting political inclusivity, fostering teamwork, and amplifying community
engagement. Additionally, my involvement in [specific volunteer organization] allowed me to
contribute meaningfully to [mention the cause or project], where I collaborated with a diverse
team to [highlight the achieved impact]. Furthermore, my leadership in [specific event or
initiative] showcased my ability to manage teams, communicate effectively, and navigate
challenges while ensuring successful outcomes. These experiences have honed my skills in
collaboration, problem-solving, and empathetic leadership, fueling my passion for effecting
positive change within communities.
26.When have you experienced failure, either at work or school etc., and what did you do to
overcome or address this?

I once encountered a significant setback while leading a project in a volunteer organization.

Our team had meticulously planned an initiative aimed at raising awareness about
environmental sustainability, but unforeseen logistical challenges arose, leading to a last-minute
cancellation of our main event. The disappointment was palpable, and I felt responsible for the
letdown.
To address this, I immediately gathered the team for an open discussion, acknowledging the
setback and taking full accountability. We conducted a thorough post-mortem analysis,
pinpointing the root causes of the logistical issues. I encouraged everyone to share their
perspectives on what went wrong and how we could prevent similar issues in the future.
Utilizing this experience as a learning opportunity, we revamped our planning process,
introducing contingency plans for potential obstacles. We also established better communication
channels among team members and external stakeholders to ensure smoother coordination.
Moreover, I focused on fostering a culture that welcomed constructive feedback and encouraged
proactive problem-solving.
This experience taught me the value of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of embracing
failures as stepping stones toward improvement. By addressing the failure head-on, reflecting on
the experience, and implementing strategic changes, we were able to turn the setback into a
catalyst for enhanced project management and team collaboration.