Nigerian Netizen, Ugochukwu Madu, has celebrated his Master’s degree from The University of Iowa, USA.
In a post on his official X account @UgochukwuCFR, said he is the first person to obtain Master’s degree from his family. He said his next target is PhD.
He said: “Two years ago, I commenced a fully-funded PhD program to study Health Communication without a prior master’s qualification. Two years later, I just earned my master’s with High Distinction at The University of Iowa, USA.
“As a First-Generation graduate whose parents are not educated beyond high school, my academic journey hasn’t been easy.
“My academic and professional career choices are solely mine – navigating the waters with a self-made compass. “Ugo nwam, imana anyi aguro akwukwo, onweghi nke anyi ma k’esi eme. Malu ma onwe onye nkuzi ghi iga aju” (Translation: “Ugo my child, you know we didn’t go to school so we have no idea how it’s done. See if one of your teachers can advise you”) – they’d always tell me whenever I sought academic advice from them, but see how far I’ve come.
“As I now commence the third year of my PhD program, I dedicate my family’s first-ever master’s degree to my dad and mom for sending me to school and making me fall in love with education.
“A minute silence for all the innocent chickens they cooked for me each time I took first position in primary and secondary schools. They always told me, “we didn’t go to school, but our dream is to see you go to school. We know education will take you places.” To my wonderful parents, thank you for giving me a legacy you never had.
“Today, I proudly don the prestigious black and gold Hawkeye regalia decorated in multiple cords – first, as a proud international student, and second, as a highly accomplished first-generation graduate.
“Special thanks to my Advisor under whose supervision I accomplished a lot in a short while. I also appreciate everyone who came out to celebrate with me at the spring 2024 commencement ceremonies.
“In the absence of my immediate family, you stood and cheered me on as my newfound family and friends in a new country.”
