A scholar, education advocate and founder of Olumuyiwa Igbalajobi Foundation, Dr Olumuyiwa Igbalajobi, has encouraged students to look beyond low grade point averages (GPAs) and gaps in their academic records in pursuing fully funded international scholarships, saying such challenges do not automatically disqualify them from educational opportunities.
Igbalajobi, disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti while converging about 100 youths in the state, to equip them with practical strategies for identifying scholarship opportunities, strengthening their applications and presenting their academic and professional experiences effectively.
The event also featured a presentation of his book titled: “How to Win Fully Funded Scholarships with a Low GPA or Study Gap”, to the participants, designed for graduates who may consider their academic records a disadvantage, particularly those with Second Class Lower and Third Class degrees, as well as applicants whose education was interrupted by personal, professional or financial circumstances.
It also offers guidance for candidates with First Class and Second Class Upper degrees who wish to improve their chances of securing competitive scholarship opportunities.
Igbalajobi described the belief that low grades or gaps in academic records automatically prevent candidates from obtaining fully funded scholarships as a misconception that has discouraged many qualified applicants from pursuing further education.
He noted that the fear of rejection often leads students to doubt their abilities and abandon opportunities without fully understanding the criteria used by scholarship providers and admission committees.
According to him, academic performance remains an important consideration in many scholarship and admission processes, but applicants can also demonstrate their suitability through research potential, leadership experience, professional achievements and personal initiative.
The author explained that the book would help readers identify their strengths, develop compelling application narratives and position themselves strategically for opportunities that align with their individual profiles.
The book outlines strategies for understanding the factors that influence scholarship and admission decisions, identifying opportunities that match an applicant’s profile and preparing applications capable of attracting the attention of selection committees.
It also encourages applicants to look beyond their academic grades by documenting their personal development, professional exposure, research interests and other experiences that demonstrate their readiness for further studies.
Igbalajobi maintained that low GPAs and study gaps should not necessarily be viewed as the end of an individual’s academic ambitions, but as challenges that can be addressed through a well-planned and structured application process.
Through the initiative, Igbalajobi seeks to encourage more students and graduates to explore educational opportunities, build confidence in their abilities and pursue pathways that could expand their academic and professional prospects.
Other scholars at the event such as Dr. Opeyemi Oloruntobi, Dr. Balogun Olaitan and Oyeyemi Oluwatobi also emphasised the importance of mentorship, access to information and sustained support in helping young people achieve their educational ambitions.
They noted that many talented students often miss valuable opportunities because of limited guidance, inadequate information and the mistaken belief that their academic records have permanently restricted their prospects.
They encouraged students to remain focused, explore available scholarship opportunities and seek guidance from experienced scholars who could help them navigate the application process.
