A Nigerian man has shared his academic journey and visa experiences after turning down a full scholarship to South Africa to study at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). He faced three consecutive visa rejections at the United States Embassy before providing an update on his current situation.
In a video posted on TikTok by @moh.sheriff, the young man revealed that he secured a full scholarship to study in South Africa during his second year of senior secondary school (SS2). Because of this opportunity, his peers believed he did not need to stress over national examinations like JAMB or WAEC.
However, he rejected the South African offer and chose UNILAG instead, aiming to use his time there to prepare for an application to the United States. He stated: "Like my secondary school, like SS2, I won a scholarship to study in South Africa. Full scholarship. So, when everybody was writing JAMB, WAEC in SS3, I already had a school. So, everyone was like, 'you don't even need to read for JAMB', do you understand? But then, I did not go to South Africa, I decided to come to UNILAG. And the reason I wanted to come to UNILAG was I wanted to use that time to prepare and try to go for the US. Cuz, I'm always believing that, man, go for your dreams, don't even settle for less, even though everybody believes that staying in is more, do you understand?"
Determined to reach the West, he studied hard, passed his SAT, and secured admission to an American institution. He booked a flight ticket and packed his luggage, believing his public speaking skills would guarantee a smooth interview. However, his expectations were cut short at the embassy.
In the TikTok video, he said: "In my mind I'm like, 'ah, I'm ready oh, I'm finally going to travel abroad.' And then I went to the US Embassy, and they did not give me my visa. Once. I went back again, they didn't give me my visa again, the second time. I went back the third time, they did not give me. How that changed my life is, I love the way my prayer points changed. So, the first time I went, everything that was in my head was: 'Omo, I'm the best in interview. I'm so good at public speaking. So, you people just give me my visa.' I already like packed my load, I booked my ticket, I'm ready to go. They did not give it to me."
The multiple rejections forced a deep shift in his spiritual outlook and personal growth. By his third attempt, his desperate prayers transformed into total submission to God's ultimate plan.
Social media users reacted to the student's post. Dra ama said: "Funny enough, I'm seeing this video when things aren't going my way." Valentine said: "This was the talk of twitter that year." Unstoppable_Fola said: "Thank you so much for this. The lord knows the best for you."
Meanwhile, a young Nigerian woman successfully relocated to the United Kingdom seven months after her first visa application was rejected.
