Nigerian Teen Receives 19 Scholarship Offers From The US And Canada

Nigerian teenager, Victory Yinka-Banjo has received 19 full scholarships from prominent American and Canadian universities.

The 17-year-old who is a secondary school graduate, is reported to have received more than $5 million dollars’ worth of scholarship for her undergraduate degree studies.

In the US, the scholarship offers were made by Ivy League schools, Yale College, Princeton University, Harvard College, Brown University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Virginia, while the Canadian schools include University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia.

Speaking with CNN, Victory said:

“It still feels pretty unbelievable. I applied to so many schools because I didn’t even think any school would accept me. Their admissions processes are extremely selective.

“They only accept the best of the best. So, you can imagine how, on a daily basis, I have to remind myself that I actually got into these schools. It is surreal!”

Victory, who had amongst other things, scored straight As in her West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2020, and had excelled in the Cambridge IGCSE exam, acquiring A in all six subjects, has certainly paid her dues.

Basking in this proud moment, she said: “They have made me truly feel proud about the hard work I have put into several areas of my life over the years. I am slowly beginning to realize that I deserve them.” 

She added that the scholarships “have made me stand taller, smile wider, and pat myself on the back more often.”

Victory’s parents, Chika Yinka-Banjo, a senior lecturer at the University of Lagos, and Adeyinka Banjo, a private sector procurement and supply chain executive, have also expressed their joy in the success of their daughter.

In an interview, Victory’s mother, Chika said that she believes her daughter’s story could inspire young Nigerians.

She said: “It is noteworthy that she is not one of the Nigerian-Americans who often get into these schools because of their advantage of being born and bred in the US. She completed her secondary school here [in Nigeria]. It would be great if her story can be used to inspire the youths of our country.” 

Source: CNN

Featured Images:

Creators Empire

Naija 24/7 News