Thread by @runciecwc

Tips on Applying for Commonwealth Shared Scholarship 2020
My personal guide on how to write exceptional dev. impact essays
Commonwealth Scholarship is for those committed to achieving sustainable development in their home countries
Thread #RuncieChidebe
DDL:18/12/20 CC @DrJoeAbah

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija DISCLAIMER: Please note that this article is my personal opinion and insights on how I wrote the development impact essay and got the scholarship. It is essentially a guide from me and does NOT represent the opinion of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija So many of you have contacted me especially about reviewing your development impact essays and statement. To be honest, it will be almost impossible for me to review all your essays. Many of you are also confused about the Commonwealth scholarship at Federal Scholarship Board.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija For clarity, there are many Commonwealth Scholarships, however, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is a unique scholarship opportunity in which the candidates are fully funded jointly by the UK universities and UK Government.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija For example, in my case, I am on Commonwealth Shared Scholarship(CSS), what it means is that my funding comes from both Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) and Birmingham City University. Hence the universities play an important role in who is nominated as well as the CSC.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija The scholarships are offered under six themes: Sci. & Tech. for dev., Strengthening health systems and capacity, Promoting global prosperity, Strengthening global peace, security and governance, Strengthening resilience and response to crises, and Access, inclusion & opportunity.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Ask yourself which of these themes have I played critical role in and what is my career like going forward. Click here to see all eligible courses for the 2020: cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/apply/shared-s…

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Then consider applying in an area/themes that you will have a sufficient impact in the future. You need to also consider a course that you are eligible for. Last year, I made a fundamental error, although not my fault.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija I got the CSC scholarship to study Health Psychology, but, when my Psychology Degree was subjected to British Psychological Society (BPS) assessment known as GBC (Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership).

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija When my assessment was completed, I was declared ineligible based on the courses that I offered during my BSc. Pls NOTE this does not mean that my Psychology degree in Nigeria is of low standard, it’s primarily because my degree was a combined degree- Psychology/Sociology & Anth

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Please check courses very well before applying, especially professional courses. That’s how I lost the scholarship and it was offered to someone else last year. Well, this year, I got it- MSc Transforming and Leading in Health care at Birmingham City University.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Check your eligibility! Go and get your Transcripts if you don’t have it. I also encourage you to read about the Terms and Conditions: cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/wp-content/upl… It is important that you understand what you are going into.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Commonwealth Scholarship is one of the World’s most prestigious scholarship, however, it is not meant for everyone. It is meant for exceptional people who are interested in impacting their home country. If you have a different plan, you may consider another opportunity.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija This is the rationale for one of their strong criteria is focused on “potential impact of the work on the development of the candidate’s home country” and “academic merit of the candidate”.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija How to apply: Select your country from this link and
cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/apply/applican…
You will see a bunch of scholarships roll down like fellowships, PhD, Commonwealth Split, etc. Since your focus is on Commonwealth Shared, click on the find out more.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija I will encourage you to download the Sample Questions and Complete it on MSWord first before completing on the portal:
cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/wp-content/upl…

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Here is the link to complete the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Application: fs29.formsite.com/m3nCYq/wfeafyw…

You may wish to contact the university, click here to see the University Contact for cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/universities/

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Now, Let’s go to the application process!
Once you get on the application page, create an account, choose your theme and university and complete all those basic information. I won't waste your time, you can deal with that.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija In my estimation, development Impact is probably the most significant aspect of the application. Give it your best! Write, Review, and Ask yourself questions. The first part of development impact question is: “how your proposed study relates to:

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija (a) development issues at the global, national and local level? (b.) development issues connected to your chosen CSC theme and the wider sector?”.
This is your first opportunity to express how your proposed MSc course is related to the developmental challenge in your country.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija This is the time to explain the need in your community, your country and how it relates to your course and CSC theme. In my case I used some core healthcare data to proof that there is deficiency in healthcare leadership and I provided core practical examples.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija In many cases, we write too much grammar with no concrete terms. Make it simple. Pls don’t write without concrete or “abstract”; write with simple practical examples that will gain the interest of your reviewers and they could google the example and confirm that you are correct.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija That’s a plus for you! Don’t forget to provide source of your estimates if you quoted some data, your reviewers may be academics.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija For example ”Nigeria has the world’s second highest number of deaths in children under five, losing around 2,700 every day. With an estimated three million people living with HIV, Nigeria has the world’s second highest burden of HIV/AIDS (UNICEF, 2019).

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija In 2018, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reported that 115,950 new cases of cancer were diagnosed and the number deaths recorded were 70,327 in Nigeria.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija With the above health challenges, our children, young people, women and the elderly are dying every single day from preventable illnesses.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Painfully, the statistics may go worse as several donor agencies are withdrawing their funding from Nigeria…”. Don’t go and copy paste oooo! Craft your essay! This is just an example.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija The second question: “how you intend to apply your new skills and qualification when you return home?”. Simply put, how will you use this knowledge when you return home? This is an opportunity for you to specifically express how the knowledge gained will be used.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija In my case, I simply stated that “I will use the knowledge gained to support my organization – Project PINK BLUE, I will also volunteer for Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and National Assembly committees…”. Please do not copy me!

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija I used the above because I have spent the last five years working with Project PINK BLUE and Nigeria’s healthcare and I belong to many government committee. You need to know the space that you are in and be sure you are responding in all honesty.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija On development impact part 2, “what you expect will change in development terms following your studies, including: (a) the outcomes that you aim to achieve? (b) the timeframe for their implementation? (c) who the beneficiaries will be? ”.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija The question here, what do you what to change? In this part remember your CSC theme. What problem will your MSc solve? Think about this like a project. In Nigeria, we are still dealing with under-5 mortality (and many infectious diseases), are you trying to change this.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Jungle justice is still taking place in Lagos, will your MSc help you understand human right issues? Will your MSc help you create awareness in this area? Think of it like a project- there is a problem, if you get the funding, what will be the outcome, who will benefit from it.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija (b) Some of you will be asking what do they mean by timeframe. Am I going to implement any programme afterward. Yes! In my estimation, the scholarship is like a project, CSC are very serious, they will follow-up on you.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija I encourage you to see this like a project and write like you are applying for a grant. Respond to this question in yearly terms. For instance, “by 2025, I wish to establish training centre for renewal energy…”

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija “by 2022, I will work with health ministry on increasing health financing from 10% to 15% in Anambra State…” etc. You can write like three or specific timeframe outcomes, just be sure it’s sometime you are passionate about and can do when you return.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija (c). You are required to specifically share who will directly and indirectly benefit from your learning when you return home. You need ask yourself this question: where is my primary and secondary constituency?

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija In my case, cancer control and healthcare are my primary and secondary constituencies respectively. Don’t be a jack of all trade. Hence, my beneficiaries are the vulnerable groups in my constituency- cancer patients, young people (because I work with over 700 volunteers),

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija people living with HIV-cancer and the elderly (because my work focus on adult cancers). Please don’t go and write that your beneficiaries are Nigerians. Which Nigerians, who are they? I encourage you to be as specific as possible.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Third part of the development impact essay: how the impact of your work could be best measured? Your response should focused on how will your impact back home be evaluated?

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija You need clarify that your impact will measured by the growth of your organization, reporting, change in statistics through data collection, etc. This depends on the impact you wish to make upon your return.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Proposed study in the UK, to respond to this part of the essay, please and please, I beg you in the name of God to be simply. Especially for scholars in the science and technology, you usually think that when you write in “atoms” and “molecules” that’s what shows you are smart.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Please it may not always work in some situations, your reviewers may not be an expert in your “atom” terms. Don’t forget that for a scholarship like this, it’s not enough to that you choose university A to get a good job or for employability reason.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Well, except when you return back home, you wish to change job. Hmmm, does that sound good? What about if you say that the university of your choice are well known for research in that certain area. It is your role to know why you choose university A over university B.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija On career plans, what’s your objective during the award? In this essay, you are expected to state in clear terms what you will do while studying in the UK. In my case, I stated that I will like to excel in my MSc, study UK health system, network with professional,

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija engage in social activities and volunteerism. In your case, what do you want to do during your study in the UK. The second question is on 5 years following award: you are expected to outline and explain your post-study plan. I will encourage you to outline and explain.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija If need be your main point should be in capital letter and then you add brief explanations. For instance, my first 5 years career plan, was that once I return to Nigeria, (i) My Community Work: I will plough back my knowledge and learning to scaling my organization.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija (ii). Innovative Healthcare Financing: I will play more significant role in advocating for innovative financing in Nigeria. Donor-dependency in health financing is not sustainable, …etc. You need to think of what you are sure you will do upon your return.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Finally, long term career plans: Please do not be tempted to write the same thing as short term. They are different. In long term, think about your plan in 10years, Do you plan to run for office? Do you plan to get political appointment to help foster policy change?

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Do you plan to build Nigeria’s first electric car? Do you plan to pursue a PhD? These may be considered long term career plans.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija In 500 words, give a brilliant statement. In my estimation, what makes your statement stands are as follows: (a.) concrete information: a statement that is passionately crafted in a compelling way showing your real achievement (did you made first class or best graduating)

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija (you can state it here, but, just know that many people also have same first class too), (b.) compelling story: is there a story behind your passion? If yes, share it. (c.) problem that you could solve or contribute. (d.) market yourself:

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija this is extremely important, you need to share all the great awards, contributions to science, have you won a grant before, have you published a paper on Lancet or attended/presented at a national conference? Add them in this part of your essay.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija (e.) Tell the reviewers what the MSc means to your community. For instance from (a-d), we have been taking about ‘you’, now, talk about the mass of people who will benefit from this MSc. Speak to the problem that you would solve if given the opportunity.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija (f.) You need to close with a commitment: I encourage you to add a few number to show that you have thought about it and know what you want to achieve. However, if you are not good at using numbers, please stay clear.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Stay on your lane. Sometimes, we use numbers and data excessively that it could be seen as excessive use of strengths.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija Voluntary and leadership experience, you need to share all your volunteer work. For some of you who always want to be paid before they do anything for anyone. I don’t know how I will help you. Well, please stay honest in all sections of this application. Reviewers may verify it!

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija I wish you all the best.

Runcie C.W. Chidebe
2019 Commonwealth Scholar,
MSc. Transforming and Leading in Health Care,
Birmingham City University, UK.

@DrJoeAbah @ChidiOdinkalu @conumah @MrFixNigeria @HamzyCODE @aproko_doctor @DrZobo @segalink @donlaz4u @AishaYesufu @Nedunaija You can also find this article here: link.medium.com/80JtqKLld2