Nigerian student shares joy of new life in Scotland: “I can’t think of a time I was this happy”

A GCU international student has spoken of his excitement for the future after being inspired by his uncle to move from Nigeria to Scotland.

Mordecai Akoh is currently in the first year of his BSc Nursing Studies (Adult) degree and has been embracing life in Glasgow since his arrival from Kogi State in September.

We sat down with Mordecai to hear all about his interest in Nursing, how he’s adapted to life in a new country and his recent experience at the SHLS International Student Welcome Event:

Tell me about your interest in Nursing?

“My love for nursing comes from the fact I was a large consumer of healthcare in my home country. I fell sick frequently when I was a child and it allowed me to see the passion the nurses had in looking after me. It inspired me because they took so much care of myself and other children. I want to be that person that brightens the mood of other people in their time of need.”

What made you decide to come and study in Scotland?

“I heard about Scotland through my uncle, who actually reached out to me at the beginning of 2023 and said about coming to study here. He lives in Edinburgh and told me how GCU is one of the top ranking universities in the UK. He explained that it would be a good way for me to broaden my experience and get quality education.

“I was so nervous when I did eventually apply - I was praying every day! I had to travel out of my state for the exams, my visa and my tuberculosis test, but it was all worth it.”

How has life at GCU been for you so far?

“It’s been so lovely - Scotland and Glasgow are so underrated! The education system is top-notch and the culture is wonderful. Glasgow is a city of magic to me.

“I actually thanked my uncle recently because it’s clear to me that he took his time to find me a good university.

“Freshers’ was my first experience of GCU and it was really nice to witness. There were so many events, and I particularly enjoyed the mini-golf course. I was also very grateful for the free Domino’s Pizza!

“Something that has also really impressed me is the fact that everything is electronic with laptops and projectors; paper isn’t really used which is obviously helping in the fight against climate change.”

You also recently attended the SHLS International Student Welcome Event in November, what was that like?

“The event was so useful to me, especially in terms of making new friends. In my nursing classes there are maybe only two males in a class of 55 students. The SHLS International Student Welcome Event has allowed me to make friends from Nigeria, the Caribbean, Pakistan and China. It was also good to learn more about the Scottish culture. I’ve now realised that Irn-bru is lovely and shortbread tastes amazing!”

It sounds like the event was a good starting point for you studying here; how much are you looking forward to spending more time in Scotland?

“I’m so excited for the next three years at GCU. The excitement is so much that I can’t actually think of a time I was this happy. I can't wait to experience more of Scotland and to mix with new people – it’s so much more than I ever asked for.”

Find out more about life as an international student at GCU

By Ross Clark    
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