DENNIS NDASHIRU AUDU

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya.

DAAD In-country and In-region Scholarship, 2023,

MSc program in Soil and Water Engineering.

Dennis Ndashiru Audu is a climate change researcher currently studying MSc program in Soil and Water Engineering at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya, with the support of DAAD German Academic Exchange Service . He was also selected for the summer school on Climate Change Adaptation: Risk Assessment and Design of Interventions at Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Germany.

He had his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

His goal is to contribute to research on this research area towards achieving a sustainable city (adaptation with design of infrastructures).

Briefly share your story with us.

My bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering wasn’t what I wanted to study at first, as I wanted to study either software or computer engineering and was admitted to Agricultural Engineering. I told myself after spending 5 years that there has to be more. One motivation I left University with was securing a scholarship and not job hunting as we were barely recognised (I never found an opportunity for an Agricultural Engineer). Water Resources Management was my interest and I embraced flood modelling as to its impact on my community, Niger State, Nigeria prior to winning this scholarship.

How did you first learn about this scholarship opportunity?

I saw it on a telegram group. I began the journey in 2020 without any guidance from prior scholars. But after several rejections from 2020, I applied again in November 2022 and got the scholarship.

What specific benefits does the scholarship provide (e.g., financial aid, research opportunities, mentorship)?

The fully funded scholarship included roundtrip airfare and the opportunity for a summer school and research stay in Germany.

Please share a link to the scholarship program's website or information page.

https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?status=&origin=&subjectGrps=&daad=&intention=&q=in-country&page=1&detail=10000486

What advice would you give to students who are considering applying for scholarships?

There’s nothing impossible if only we can try.

What are the most memorable or impactful experiences you've had as a scholarship recipient?

Having everything towards achieving my dream paid for.

What major challenges or hindrance did you face in your scholarship pursuit and how did you overcome this?

My research area. Prior to securing this opportunity, I was undertaking an MSc in Soil and Water Engineering at FUT Minna but noticed my deficiency in the use of this course software as it was not captured in the module in Nigeria. I took that as a challenge to work on that path and with the help of people and practice, I was able to overcome this

What advice would you give to students who are considering applying for scholarships?

I had a CGPA of 3.51/5.00 in my bachelor’s degree and secured this scholarship that had afforded me more than what I stepped out for. You do not have any excuse. How badly you want it will determine if you’ll get it or not (Never forgetting the GOD factor)

Social Media Handle

LinkedIn – Audu Dennis Ndashiru