From Covenant University to the University of Toronto: Nigerian Engineer Secures Fully Funded PhD Without a Master’s Degree

Success stories like this remind us that determination, patience, and consistent hard work can open doors that seem impossible.
Meet Joshua Atiba, a young Nigerian engineer who achieved an extraordinary academic milestone by securing a fully funded PhD scholarship in Civil and Mineral Engineering at University of Toronto without first obtaining a master’s degree.
Joshua began his journey at Covenant University, where he studied Mechanical Engineering and graduated in 2022 with First Class Honours, earning an impressive CGPA of 4.52 out of 5.0. Rather than rushing into graduate school, he focused on building a strong academic and research profile. He worked as a Research Assistant at Bell’s University, gaining valuable research experience while pursuing opportunities abroad.
His path was far from easy. Joshua sent hundreds of cold emails to professors, many of which received no response. Some replies came months later, while several opportunities offered only partial funding or no funding at all. Yet he refused to give up.
Then came the breakthrough.
In 2025, Joshua received a fully funded PhD offer from the University of Toronto, one of Canada’s most respected research institutions. The opportunity arrived after years of preparation, persistence, and faith in his abilities.
Moving to Canada, adapting to a new culture, navigating the cold weather, and beginning doctoral studies presented fresh challenges. Nevertheless, Joshua successfully completed his first semester while embracing new experiences, building international friendships, and exploring different cultures and cuisines.
Perhaps the most powerful lesson from his story is his reminder that it only takes one opportunity to change everything. Despite receiving more than ten graduate admissions that lacked adequate funding, he continued applying until the right opportunity arrived.
His journey serves as an inspiration to students, young professionals, and anyone pursuing ambitious goals. Sometimes the difference between success and failure is simply refusing to quit when the results have not yet appeared.
Joshua’s achievement is a testament to the value of academic excellence, resilience, strategic preparation, and perseverance. His story proves that opportunities often arrive after the longest periods of waiting.
Congratulations to Joshua on this remarkable accomplishment. May his journey encourage countless others to keep striving, keep applying, and keep believing that their breakthrough could be closer than they think.