Health Science Student, Chinaecherem E. Wants to Improve Healthcare Access for Sexual and Gender Minorities

Chinaecherem E., a 25-year-old Nigerian currently residing in Lagos, is earning a bachelor’s degree in health science at University of the People. “My upbringing was a mix of cultural expectations and the pursuit of education. From a young age, I was encouraged to take academics seriously, but I also had to navigate societal expectations regarding gender and identity, which shaped my advocacy work later in life. I attended Model Secondary School, where I completed my Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE),” he shares. 

Life has surely not been a smooth ride for Chinaecherem, but each hardship has contributed to the person he is today. He saw his family struggle financially. There were times when paying for basic education felt like an uphill battle, and the dream of attending university seemed far out of reach due to financial constraints. He also suffered the untimely loss of loved ones, which left a deep impact on him. He often felt isolated and found it difficult to gather his strength to keep moving forward. Circumstances compelled him to mature quickly and make tough choices in life. The societal demand to conform to predefined expectations and gender roles was overwhelming for him, but he chose not to let norms define his identity. 

Chinaecherem’s struggles made him more determined to excel and provide support to others like himself.  He learned about UoPeople through online research while searching for affordable and flexible degree programs. “I wanted a tuition-free university that would allow me to balance work, advocacy, and studies without financial burdens. UoPeople was the perfect fit because it provided a high-quality education without requiring me to put my life on hold. One of the most life-changing aspects of my education at UoPeople is that I was awarded a 100% scholarship. This scholarship has allowed me to pursue my degree without the overwhelming stress of tuition fees, course assessment fees, etc. Without it, higher education would have remained a distant dream for me. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity because it has not only opened doors for me but also given me the confidence to believe in my potential. It has proven to me that financial struggles should never be a barrier to education.” 

Upon graduation, Chinaecherem plans to advance his advocacy work aimed at improving healthcare access for sexual and gender minorities around the world. He also wants to earn a master’s in public health (MPH) with a focus on public health equity and HIV/TB co-infection management. “I may not have the financial resources yet to pursue a master’s degree, but I will not stop dreaming. UoPeople has already shown me that dreams are valid, and I am confident that I will find a way to continue my education and make an impact in my community.” 

He also hopes to expand Project EBL (Empower Beyond Labels), an initiative that supports the mental health and wellness of marginalized individuals facing displacement and discrimination. 

How does Chinaecherem find time to juggle so much? “I manage my demanding schedule by prioritizing tasks and setting clear goals. I also utilize flexible study hours to make the most of my time.” 

When not working or studying, he enjoys going to the gym, watching movies, and reading books. He volunteers for organizations that support marginalized communities, engaging in creative media advocacy projects and using short films to challenge social stigmas and amplify unheard voices.

Chinaecherem is driven by a deep desire to make a difference in the world, and we are proud of him. We hope he realizes all his big dreams and wish him all the best for his future.