From crafting shoes in his local community to winning one of the world’s most prestigious scholarships, this is the inspiring journey of Jeffrey Dio. Shoemaker Wins Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship, a story of resilience and determination that proves no dream is too big to chase.
Despite facing more than 30 scholarship rejections, losing his academic credentials in a devastating fire, and failing two major scholarship interviews, Jeffrey never gave up. Today, his persistence has paid off. He won the prestigious Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship to study MSc Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Birmingham, UK.
Scholarship Categories to Explore on ScholarWaka – Here are some key scholarship opportunities you should check out on ScholarWaka:
- Study Abroad: Study in USA | Study in Canada | Study in UK | Study in Europe | Study in Asia | Study in Australia | Study in Africa
- Scholarship Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships | Competitions | High School Scholarships | Internships Scholarships | Training | Fellowships
Dio’s Scholarship Rejection Journey
His scholarship journey started in 2022 with the Chevening Awards. He was excited when he advanced to the interview stage in 2023, but he couldn’t scale through. Looking back, he realized he was naive about how to utilize global opportunities.
After three months of reflection and renewed focus, he reapplied to multiple scholarships, determined to keep trying despite the odds.
The more he applied, the more rejection he faced. After yet another application cycle, a devastating fire struck, destroying his apartment and original academic credentials. “Thank God for life,” he recalls, as he began rebuilding not just his belongings, but also his hopes and determination.
In 2024, he reached the interview stage for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh, but he was unsuccessful again. Despite the pain of repeated setbacks, he held firmly to his slogan: “One day, I must win on a big stage.”
To Apply For the Commonwealth Scholarship 2026/2027
For Jeffrey, applying for scholarships was about more than funding an education. It was about visibility and impact.
In his words, “I kept saying: They must read my story. I am not just applying for a scholarship to study, but to learn from the global stage and return to impact my community in northern Nigeria.”
After years of rejections, interviews that ended in disappointment, and even losing everything in a fire, Jeffrey’s breakthrough finally came in 2025.
Also, Check Out This Interesting Story From Scholarwaka Founder
Shoemaker Wins Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship Award
He was awarded the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship to study at the University of Birmingham’s Business School. The program will equip him to lead sustainable business development and scale his community impact.
However, his journey was accompanied by even greater challenges. He navigated his scholarship applications while managing his social enterprise, training over 500 youths, and striving to make a lasting impact in his community, all while dealing with the emotional and material setbacks of multiple rejections and the fire accident.
Despite these difficulties, he persevered, and in May 2025, he finally received the life-changing news: he had been selected for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship- See below:
To You Facing Scholarship Rejections Right Now!
He hopes that his story of resilience and determination will inspire others. In his words: “Don’t give up. Keep applying. Keep telling your story. Your breakthrough will come.”
Jeffrey’s story is a powerful reminder that no obstacle is too great to overcome. No matter your starting point, your dreams are valid, and with perseverance, hard work, and determination, you can achieve anything.
Challenges may come, but if you keep pushing forward, success will follow. Let his journey inspire you to chase your goals relentlessly, as you are capable of greatness!
Follow us on YouTube for Scholarship Guidance
Confused About How to Apply and Start Securing Scholarships Abroad? Book a Free Consultation today with us:
Read More Success Stories Like This: Shoemaker Wins Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship
Receive the Latest Scholarship Updates through our Social Media Channels:
- Twitter: @ScholarWaka
- Instagram: @ScholarWaka
- LinkedIn: @ScholarWaka
- Facebook: @ScholarWaka
- YouTube: @Lucy Ikpesu-Ewhubare
