Ibrahim Kefas Gyurison, a first-class physics graduate of Nasarawa State University, has been awarded the prestigious German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarship by the German government to pursue a master's degree in Germany. The graduate shared the news on X (formerly Twitter) on July 2, expressing excitement after enduring over two and a half years of countless rejections.
Scholarship Award After Years of Rejection
In his viral tweet, Kefas wrote: "Today, after 2½ years of receiving countless rejection emails filled with 'we regret to inform you' and 'unfortunately', I am beyond thrilled and humbled to announce that I won the prestigious DAAD - German Academic Exchange Service (German govt scholarship, 2026) - to pursue a master's degree in Germany." The DAAD scholarship provides comprehensive funding for international students, researchers, and academics to study or conduct research in Germany.
Previous Scholarship and Perseverance
Kefas disclosed that this is not his first scholarship award. He previously secured the highly competitive PTDF Overseas Scholarship, which funds recipients to pursue postgraduate studies in France, Malaysia, Germany, or the UK. Reflecting on his journey, he admitted: "My scholarship journey was NOT easy. There were moments when the rejections almost broke my spirit, but I have to encourage myself and remind myself that giving up was not an option. Through God’s grace, mentorship, countless SOP drafts, perseverance and sleepless nights sometimes; I made it through. And today, I stand on the other side of resilience and growth."
Reactions on Social Media
The news drew widespread reactions on X. User @OgrikiS27389 commented: "It is isn't up to two weeks I attended a CSN induction ceremony as a finalist and got enlightened about various multinational opportunities including this DAAD program; fast forward to see someone being awarded it. Wow. Congratulations once again to you." @EkekweFaith asked: "Congratulations, Kefas! What do you think you did differently with the application? I am really tired of rejections." @Xodwabantu said: "God, I am the next to get DAAD scholarship." @KOsajie added: "My brother, I can imagine. That part of we regret and unfortunately can be very frustrating and disappointing. But success is a journey. In the end, you won."
Germany's Fully Funded Scholarships for African Graduates
This development follows Germany's announcement of fully funded scholarships for African graduates, made on April 10 via the official X accounts of the German Embassy Abuja and the German Consulate General Lagos. The DAAD scholarships target master's degree students at selected institutions across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, and Burkina Faso.
