Nigeria

I remember thinking my course would be more academic than practical but it’s been a good balance of both. All my lecturers have real world experience outside of academia, and learning typically involves case studies, group work, and presentations, together with lecture sessions. The level of non-academic support is amazing. The greatest benefit of my Essex experience has been gaining international exposure from learning in a multicultural environment whilst making lifelong connections from all around the world!

Ugonnaya Igwilo was named  Social Impact Award winner for Sub-Saharan Africa in this year’s British Council Alumni Awards for her work supporting public health campaigns against Ebola and AIDS.

Ugonnaya said her studies at Essex helped her develop all the skills vital to work in high pressure situations.

 “The unique practical learning experience from Essex tweaked my way of thinking, addressing challenges and improved my communication skills.”

During her time as a student at Essex, Ugonnaya served as the student representative for her class, joined the United Nations Model Society and the Human Rights Society.

She said: “Being a member of the Human Rights Society at Essex built on my knowledge base and changed my perception of my role as a public health physician.

“This was a guiding principle for my volunteerism, community outreach planning and implementation and my health service delivery.”

Ugonnaya is currently undergoing a six-year residency training program at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria as a Senior Registrar and works in a clinic providing maternal and child health services to over 10,000 patients a year.