A 36-year-old Nigerian man who was the first recipient of the North West Regional College (NWRC) Asylum Seeker Scholarship has graduated from his course.
Chukwuka Frank Nwanonenyi (known as Frank) studied for the Access Adult Learning Diploma at NWRC, a qualification which prepares people without traditional qualifications for university level study. Earlier this week he was among the Class of 2024 who graduated at the annual NWRC Higher Education and Access Graduation ceremony at the Millennium Forum.
Frank, who is now continuing his education at NWRC and has enrolled in the Foundation Degree in Applied and Medical Science said:
“I am so proud to be graduating from NWRC. Since I moved here from Nigeria I have received fantastic support from the staff and lecturers at the college who have helped me achieve my dream. My plan is to keep studying and go on to a career in the Health and Science sector.
“I always wanted a career in health because of the painful experiences I went through as a sickle cell disease carrier, a serious and lifelong health condition. People with sickle cell disease are not sure what their life expectancy is. As a survivor, I want to work with people who have the same or a similar condition. I want to thank NWRC and the North West Migrants Forum (NWMF) who have helped support me on this journey.”
Gillian Moss, Head of Client Services at NWRC said: “We are very proud to see Frank graduate from his course. Not only has Frank been an excellent student but he is a familiar face around the college and has made friends and formed relationships with other students and staff. We are even happier to know that Frank is staying on at NWRC and continuing studying for the next two years. We are excited about what the future holds for Frank.
“The NWRC Asylum Seeker Scholarship supports the studies of an Asylum seeker through the NWMF with the right to study as part of their immigration status. We are continuing with the scholarship and hope to announce the 2024 recipients very soon. NWRC looks forward to continuing to support all students in our inclusive learning environment which supports learners from a range of backgrounds and experiences.”
Chief Executive of the North West Migrants Forum, Lilian Seenoi Barr, said: “It gives us immense pride to see Frank reach this milestone. We know how hard he has worked and the struggles he has faced in getting to this point.
“In being the first asylum seeker to receive a scholarship from North West Regional College, Frank has blazed a trail. We wish him well as he continues along the path to his chosen career and we look forward to seeing those who come after him achieve their goals and ambitions.
“We also want to commend North West Regional College for its ongoing commitment to supporting individuals who have arrived on these shores with very little, often fleeing war, persecution and natural disaster.
“It is a partnership forged from mutual understanding and we look forward to it continuing long into the future.”
At the graduation ceremony on Wednesday - NWRC announced that applications for their 2025/2026 courses have opened. You can apply for all full and part-time HE courses at www.nwrc.ac.uk/higher-education
Chukwuka Frank Nwanonenyi
Chukwuka Frank Nwanonenyi pictured with Lilian Seenoi Barr, Chief Executive of the North West Migrants Forum and Gillian Moss, Head of Client Services at North West Regional College. (Picture Martin McKeown).
