Scholarship Essay for Nigerian Applicants — Complete Guide

Essay Question: "Why are you applying for this scholarship?" (500 words)

In 2023, I led a team of 12 medical students at the University of Lagos to deliver primary healthcare to 8 internally displaced communities in Borno State. We treated 1,400 patients in 6 weeks. But the experience also showed me what I lacked: the deep training in global health implementation needed to scale this work nationally. That is why I am applying for the Chevening Scholarship to study MSc Global Health Policy at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

My academic preparation: MBBS from University of Lagos (Second Class Upper, top 5% of cohort). Active in Loma Africa (200+ medical student volunteers). Co-author on 2 papers in tropical medicine.

Why this scholarship: I need 3 things only Chevening offers. First, the LSHTM’s Global Health Policy programme is specifically designed for emerging healthcare leaders from low- and middle-income countries. Second, the Chevening network gives me access to a pan-African and global community of healthcare reformers. Third, the UK’s decade-long experience with NHS implementation provides patterns directly applicable to Nigerian healthcare reform.

What I will contribute: Upon return to Nigeria, I plan to join the Lagos State Ministry of Health on the healthcare reform team. I will work specifically on primary care delivery for IDP communities — the population I served and the population most underserved by Nigerian healthcare. Within 5 years, I aim to lead a state-level primary care transformation that serves 2 million Nigerians.