Scottish Catholic Observer

Nigerian doctor Obinna Ebirim specialised in public health promotion at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

When he took to the stage to receive his degree, he knelt and thanked God for his success.

Thanks to God

Now that he has finished his course with the highest grade possible, he has spoken of how his Faith and relationship with God helped him through his course.

“During my studies, I was praying to God, praying that He was there for me during the course,” Mr Ebirim said.

“And he really helped me. I believe that [passing with distinction] was a mixture of the grace of God and hard work.

“He made this whole course a success for me, so when I knelt down to say a little prayer during my graduation it was really my way of saying thank you to Him.”

Dr Ebirim previously worked for five years in Nigeria in the health sector, and chose to come to Scotland to further advance his knowledge, which he has now taken back to his home country.

He said that when he first arrived in Scotland he experienced a bit of a ‘culture shock,’ but quickly met several friends devout in their Faith, and got involved in Church-related endeavours.

“I had a wonderful community at my local church in Aberdeen and the chaplaincy were also very supportive of me during my degree,” he said.

“It all helps you to take your mind off your studies and hanging out with such a great group of people really helped with my social life.”

Future

Although Dr Ebirim is now back in his home country, he hopes to return to Scotland later next year.

He had joined up with the Knights of St Columba in Aberdeen, who have invited him to an event next year.

Having arrived back home, he experienced what he described as a ‘miracle’ from God when a friend contacted him almost immediately with a potential job offer.

“He was a colleague of mine, and he recommended me to a public health NGO who were looking for a manager,” he said.

“I said yes to it and, after a couple of hours, the guy got back to me.

“It was so amazing – I have a lot of gratitude to God for this.”