“Education Should Never Be a Privilege”: Chizurum I., a Health Science Student from Nigeria

At just 23 years old, Chizurum I. is already building a future shaped by his experiences and a clear sense of direction. Originally from Onitsha in Anambra State, Nigeria, he is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Science at University of the People.

Growing up in Onitsha, Chizurum witnessed firsthand the realities of displacement, poverty, and inequality. His community became a refuge for families fleeing violence and seeking opportunity, but access to healthcare, education, and essential resources remained limited. Despite these challenges, he completed his primary and secondary education with strong self-discipline, even with minimal access to learning tools, mentorship, and digital resources.

“Seeing these challenges up close shaped how I view the world,” he shares. “It made me realize how deeply access—or lack of access—can affect people’s lives.”

Financial hardship remained one of his greatest challenges. Like many students in Nigeria, the dream of studying abroad felt out of reach. Application fees alone could amount to months of income, and the gap between local and international education systems was stark—especially in areas such as access to research, digital literacy, and academic support.

Chizurum initially trained in Dental Technology, but over time, he realized his ambitions extended beyond clinical practice. He wanted to address the root causes of health disparities—especially in communities like his own. A defining moment came when a close friend, one of the brightest students he knew, was unable to attend university due to financial constraints.

“That experience stayed with me,” he says. “It reminded me that talent should never be wasted because of a lack of opportunity.”

Determined to find a different path, Chizurum discovered UoPeople through a friend. The university’s tuition-free model and mission to expand access to education immediately resonated with him.

“I knew this was more than just a university—it was a chance to change my future and help others do the same.”

Since enrolling, Chizurum has embraced both the challenges and opportunities of online learning. “Transitioning from a traditional classroom to a virtual environment was not easy, but through peer collaboration and student communities, I adapted quickly. Along the way, I developed strong academic and digital skills, including engaging in virtual labs, working with research platforms, collaborating with peers across countries, and strengthening my academic writing and data analysis abilities.”

But his journey hasn’t been limited to personal growth.

Driven by a desire to give back, Chizurum has helped others access education. He has guided approximately 80 individuals—both within his community and online—in applying to UoPeople.

“Many were unsure at first,” he explains. “Some doubted their writing skills or didn’t believe it was possible. Seeing them progress on their chosen educational paths has been incredibly fulfilling.”

Today, Chizurum’s academic interests focus on public health, epidemiology, community health, and disease prevention—particularly in underserved populations. He is also deeply engaged in research, having already published one paper, with two more manuscripts currently under review.

Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Public Health, followed by a PhD. His long-term goal is to become a health research scientist, contributing to evidence-based solutions that improve health outcomes in vulnerable communities.

Outside of his studies, Chizurum enjoys writing, music, and football—simple joys that help him stay balanced and motivated.

At the heart of his journey is a clear belief: education should be accessible to all.

“Helping others discover opportunities while building my own future has become a central part of my life,” he shares.

Through resilience, compassion, and a commitment to change, Chizurum is not only pursuing his dreams—he’s opening doors for others to do the same. As a university, we’re proud to see how he’s building his future while creating opportunities for others along the way. We wish him all the best for his future.