My Chevening Essay 2023
My Chevening Essay 2023
My Chevening Essay 2023
Chevening is looking for individuals who will be future leaders or influencers in their home countries.
Explain how you meet this requirement, using clear examples of your own leadership and influencing
skills to support your answer.
(minimum word count: 100 words, maximum word count: 500 words)
The beginning of my leadership journey was when I was elected as the School Prefect in high
school. During this time, I recognized a critical issue hindering STEM enrollment which was the
absence of a functional science laboratory. To address this challenge, I wrote a formal letter to
the Head of the Education Board highlighting the situation. This led to the conversion of an
unused building located in the school premises into a fully equipped science laboratory. This
initiative not only increased STEM course enrollment but also demonstrated my potential as a
catalyst for positive change.
Upon becoming the Vice President of the National Association of Computing Students
(NACOS), I organized seminars in various high schools to inform students about the vast
educational opportunities within STEM fields. Simultaneously, I took on the role of a mentor,
guiding over 500 students in their transition from high school to college and offering insights
into the abundant possibilities within STEM disciplines. And these increased STEM enrolment
in my community.
During my tenure as the Vice President of NACOS, my community faced a surge in
cybercrimes, particularly phishing and social engineering. To address this growing problem, I
collaborated with the prestigious HiiT Plc, a renowned IT organization. Together, we conducted
a series of free cybercrime sensitization programs. Resulting in cybercrime incidents reduction
by over 60%, solidifying my determination to advance my studies in cybersecurity.
While pursuing my undergraduate studies, a fire outbreak devastated the Geography
department, resulting in the destruction of vital student records. Recognizing the need for a
secure solution to protect these essential documents, I proposed the implementation of a
cloud storage system for the Computer Science department. This safeguarded the records,
ensuring their security even in cases of fire outbreaks. With approval from the department
head, I oversaw the successful creation and uploading of records to the cloud, significantly
enhancing their safety and accessibility.
During a period when the Computer Science department was faced with a high number of
failures in programming courses like Java, C++, and Python, I formed a free tutorial group to
support struggling students in improving their understanding and self-confidence in these
courses. This effort, resulted in a remarkable reduction in failure rates, by approximately 90%.
As a staff at Rumbu Industries Limited, I detected a significant reduction in router speed due
to an excessive number of connected devices, adversely affecting productivity. In response, I
promptly communicated the issue to management and suggested the altering of access
passwords and network segmentation for individual departments. The management entrusted
me with the responsibility of implementing these changes, which I executed successfully. This
resulted in a substantial improvement in network security and overall productivity, effectively
safeguarding the organization's data.
Throughout these experiences, I consistently applied critical thinking, effective
communication, and unwavering commitment to addressing challenges in my community,
educational settings, and professional environments. These diverse leadership roles have
profoundly shaped my philosophy, emphasizing the importance of inspiring and guiding others
to collectively achieve shared objectives and create lasting positive impacts.
* Relationship-building and shared learning
Chevening is looking for individuals with strong professional relationship-building skills, who will
engage with the Chevening community and influence and lead others in their chosen profession. Please
explain how you build and maintain relationships in a professional capacity, using clear examples of
how you currently do this, and outline how you hope to use these skills in the future. (minimum word
count: 100 words; maximum word count: 500 words)
In another instance, I connected with Ms. Haneefah Lekki, the Community Manager of
Ingressive for Good (I4G) through LinkedIn. This connection led to my discovery of a
scholarship program offering free Cisco Networking Academy Cybersecurity certifications. I
extended this opportunity to students in my school and community, resulting in more than 100
students earning certifications in Network Security, Threat Detection, Cloud Security, and more.
This not only benefited me but had a tremendous impact on my community, providing valuable
skills and opportunities.
My involvement in the Google Developer Student Club (GDSC) allowed me to tap into
networking by inviting Google cybersecurity experts to a career talk for students interested in
advancing their careers in cybersecurity in my school. Over a hundred attendees benefited
from the event, with Google offering eight free certification courses to participants.
Additionally, I foresee the Chevening network becoming a valuable resource for my future
career. As I aspire to lead in the field of Cybersecurity, the relationships I cultivate within the
Chevening community will be indispensable. I plan to engage with experts and scholars in my
field, expand my knowledge, and contribute to meaningful projects. Moreover, I hope to inspire
and mentor future Chevening
As I embark on the Chevening journey, I am confident that these relationship-building skills will
continue to be a driving force in my future endeavors, allowing me to contribute to the
Chevening community and excel in my chosen profession.
* Studying in the UK
Outline why you have selected your chosen three university courses, and explain how this relates to
your previous academic or professional experience and your plans for the future. Please enter new
information and examples here and not duplicate the information you have entered on the work
experience and education section of this form (minimum word count: 100 words, maximum word
count: 500 words)
My decision to study in the UK is driven by its global prominence in education, research and
industry. The UK's high ranking in cybersecurity development underscores its expertise. Its
high teaching standards will provide insights from leading academics, and international cyber
collaborations here will broaden my global awareness. The UK's diverse blend of cities,
countryside, historical landmarks, and cultural events promises an engaging life outside of
academics. As a sports enthusiast, especially football, and a dedicated English Premier
League fan, I eagerly anticipate experiencing live matches and immersing myself in the UK's
diverse cultures. Immersing myself in the home of the English language will enhance my
language skills and global employability.
I have carefully selected Swansea University, Birmingham City University, and Robert Gordon
University for their distinguished MSc Cybersecurity programs, aligning with my future career
aspirations.
Swansea University offers a remarkable MSc Cybersecurity program certified by the National
Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). This program aligns with my passion for practical cybersecurity
skills and my research interest. Swansea's strong research background, with 90% of its
research achieving world-leading and internationally excellent status according to the
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, is impressive. Swansea's history of contributions
to cybersecurity research and innovation is well-recognized. The city's reputation for
breathtaking beaches, where I can unwind and soak in coastal beauty with friends, is incredibly
enticing. The allure of exploring the natural wonders of the Gower Peninsula is something I
eagerly anticipate. Swansea offers convenience, accessibility, affordability, and a welcoming
multicultural community,.
Birmingham City University's MSc Cybersecurity program provides a solid foundation for
addressing evolving information security challenges. The modern facilities, experienced
faculty, industry associations, and employability focus make it an excellent choice.
Birmingham's urban setting presents real-world cybersecurity challenges, enriching the
learning experience. Being a football enthusiast, it's a dream with Birmingham City, Aston Villa,
West Brom, and Wolves nearby. Birmingham's diverse culinary scene, from affordable
student-friendly eateries to five Michelin-starred restaurants, aligns with my love for trying
different foods.
I aim to achieve a well-balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and
establish professional connections. I intend to gain a comprehensive understanding of
cybersecurity concepts, encompassing encryption, network security, and threat detection. My
goal is to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios, particularly within the Nigeria Data
Protection Commission (NDPC) in Nigeria, my home country. This alignment with my career
aspirations will enable me to contribute to the development of robust cybersecurity measures
and protective policies, safeguarding critical systems.
* Career Plan
Chevening is looking for individuals who have a clear post-study career plan. Please outline your
immediate plans upon returning home and your longer term career goals. You may wish to consider
how these relate to what the UK government is doing in your country. (minimum word count: 100 words,
maximum word count: 500 words)
Upon returning to Nigeria, my immediate plan is to apply the knowledge and skills I've gained
to address the escalating cybersecurity challenges in the country. Cybersecurity challenges in
Nigeria are on the rise, with over 12 million cyberattacks recorded during recent elections.
Global statistics show a cyberattack occurring every 39 seconds, impacting both public and
private sectors. Nigeria's rapid internet growth, with 122.5 million users in the first quarter of
2023, has made more people, governments, and businesses vulnerable to cyber threats.
Remote work adoption has increased susceptibility to attacks like phishing and impersonation.
Additional concerns include legacy systems, supply chain vulnerabilities, evolving threats, and
a lack of employee awareness. These challenges result in financial losses, reputational
damage, and regulatory fines, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity
measures in the country. (Partner, 2023).
My short-term goal is to secure employment with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission
(NDPC) and work closely with other agencies under the same Federal Ministry of
Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy like the National Information Technology
Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), other private
enterprises, and educational institutions to enhance cybersecurity awareness, policy
development, and incident response mechanisms. I am also passionate about education and
mentoring, I intend to engage in mentoring and educational initiatives, particularly in the field
of cybersecurity.
In the medium term (within five years), I intend to deepen my expertise by pursuing a Ph.D. in
Cybersecurity. This advanced degree will equip me with the research skills needed to
contribute to innovative cybersecurity solutions and strategies. I aim to become a thought
leader and researcher in the field, actively engaging in projects that address Nigeria's evolving
cyber threat landscape.
Over the long term (within ten-plus years), I aspire to play a pivotal role in elevating Nigeria's
cybersecurity resilience. I envision myself as a cybersecurity professor, combining academic
excellence with practical experience to educate the next generation of cybersecurity
professionals. By actively participating in cybersecurity research, policy advocacy, and
capacity building, I aim to foster a culture of cyber awareness, data protection, and trust in
Nigeria's digital landscape. Also, I plan on establishing my technology startup in Nigeria which
will focus on developing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to safeguard digital assets and
mitigate risks. In the long run, I plan to become the chief executive of NDPC to make favorable
policies.
My career plan aligns with Chevening's emphasis on leadership, influence, and networking. I
intend to collaborate with international experts, share best practices, and leverage my UK
education to drive meaningful change in Nigeria's cybersecurity ecosystem. By bridging the
knowledge gap and actively engaging with stakeholders, I hope to contribute significantly to
national cybersecurity efforts, in harmony with the UK government's initiatives. Chevening's
support will be instrumental in realizing these career goals, enabling me to make a lasting
impact on Nigeria's cybersecurity landscape.
The beginning of my leadership journey was when I was elected as the School Prefect in high
school. During this time, I recognized a critical issue hindering STEM enrollment which was the
absence of a functional science laboratory. To address this challenge, I wrote a formal letter to
the Head of the Education Board highlighting the situation. My advocacy led to the conversion
of an unused building located in the school premises into a fully equipped science laboratory.
This initiative not only increased STEM course enrollment but also demonstrated my potential
as a catalyst for positive change.
Upon becoming the Vice President of the National Association of Computing Students
(NACOS), I organized seminars in various high schools to inform students about the vast
educational opportunities within STEM fields. Simultaneously, I took on the role of a mentor,
guiding over 500 students in their transition from high school to college and offering insights
into the abundant possibilities within STEM disciplines. And these increased STEM enrolment
in my community.
During my tenure as the Vice President of NACOS, my community faced a surge in
cybercrimes, particularly phishing and social engineering. To address this growing problem, I
collaborated with the prestigious HiiT Plc, a renowned IT organization. Together, we conducted
a series of free cybercrime sensitization programs. Resulting in cybercrime incidents reduction
by over 60%, solidifying my determination to advance my studies in cybersecurity.
While pursuing my undergraduate studies, a fire outbreak devastated the Geography
department, resulting in the destruction of vital student records. Recognizing the need for a
secure solution to protect these essential documents, I proposed the implementation of a
cloud storage system for the Computer Science department. This safeguarded the records,
ensuring their security even in cases of fire outbreaks. With approval from the department
head, I oversaw the successful creation and uploading of records to the cloud, significantly
enhancing their safety and accessibility.
During a period when the Computer Science department was faced with a high number of
failures in programming courses like Java, C++, and Python, I formed a free tutorial group to
support struggling students in improving their understanding and self-confidence in these
courses. This effort, resulted in a remarkable reduction in failure rates, by approximately 90%.
As a staff at Rumbu Industries Limited, I detected a significant reduction in router speed due
to an excessive number of connected devices, adversely affecting productivity. In response, I
promptly communicated the issue to management and suggested the altering of access
passwords and network segmentation for individual departments. The management entrusted
me with the responsibility of implementing these changes, which I executed successfully. This
resulted in a substantial improvement in network security and overall productivity, effectively
safeguarding the organization's data.
Throughout these experiences, I consistently applied critical thinking, effective
communication, and unwavering commitment to addressing challenges in my community,
educational settings, and professional environments. These diverse leadership roles have
profoundly shaped my philosophy, emphasizing the importance of inspiring and guiding others
to collectively achieve shared objectives and create lasting positive impacts.
Relationship-building and shared learning
Chevening is looking for individuals with strong professional relationship-building skills, who will
engage with the Chevening community and influence and lead others in their chosen profession. Please
explain how you build and maintain relationships in a professional capacity, using clear examples of
how you currently do this, and outline how you hope to use these skills in the future. (minimum word
count: 100 words; maximum word count: 500 words)
Another example was through a LinkedIn connection with Haneefah Lekki the
Community manager of Ingressive for Good (I4G), I was able to learn about a
scholarship program that offers free Cybersecurity certification with Cisco
Networking Academy. I was able to extend this opportunity to other students in my
school and community. This had a tremendous impact on me and my community
because more than 100 students were able to get certifications in Network security,
Threat detection, cloud security, and lots more.
As the Vice president NACOS, I've collaborated with the renowned HiiT Training
Institute, Kano State to tackle critical issues like cybercrime. Building strong
relationships with these organizations was vital for the success of our projects. I
forged connections with experts in the field of cybersecurity and education, which
allowed us to access resources, conduct effective awareness campaigns, and
empower young girls. As a result, our initiatives had a significant impact, reducing
cybercrime incidents.
As the Vice President of NACOS, I collaborated with the renowned HiiT Training
Institute, Kano State, to address critical issues like cybercrime. Strong relationships
with these organizations were essential for project success. I formed connections
with experts in the fields of cybersecurity and education, facilitating access to
resources, effective awareness campaigns, and empowerment of young girls.
These initiatives had a significant impact, leading to a reduction in cybercrime
incidents.
I have known Ibrahim for a significant period, having worked closely with him during his
time at Rumbu Industries Limited. In my capacity as department head of administration &
ICT, I had the opportunity to witness and appreciate Ibrahim's exceptional qualities and
unwavering dedication to his responsibilities.
Ibrahim's leadership and networking skills are exceptional. At Rumbu Industries Limited,
he has demonstrated a keen ability to collaborate with colleagues from diverse
backgrounds. His proficiency in group projects attests to his to balance work and
extracurricular commitments effectively. He exhibited strong leadership and networking
skills when he proactively identified and addressed a significant reduction in router speed,
suggesting solutions like altering access passwords and implementing network
segmentation. His recommendations were not only accepted by the management but
entrusted to him for implementation, resulting in improved network security and overall
organization productivity. This experience highlights Ibrahim's leadership qualities,
technical acumen, and effective communication in resolving challenges within the
organization.
Ibrahim's interpersonal skills are marked by humility, politeness, and the ability to foster a
positive and collaborative environment. His emotional maturity and honesty in dealings are
reflective of his overall character, further enhancing his suitability for the Chevening
Scholarship.