Despite facing homelessness and financial hardship, Mary Otunba graduated with a first-class degree in Economics from Caleb University, became a chartered accountant, and earned a fully funded MBA scholarship to Indiana University – Kelley School of Business, USA.
A determined Nigerian woman, Mary Otunba, has overcome immense challenges to graduate with a first-class bachelor’s degree in Economics (4.73 CGPA) from Caleb University, Nigeria. Her resilience and outstanding academic achievements have now secured her a fully funded scholarship to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Indiana University – Kelley School of Business, USA.
Mary’s academic journey began in 2013 at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, where she pursued a national diploma (ND) in Accountancy. Although she initially lacked enthusiasm for the course, she excelled, graduating with distinction in 2015.
After her diploma, Mary faced uncertainty about her next step. However, she secured an internship at a prestigious organization, which helped her gain valuable experience and fueled her passion for becoming a chartered accountant.
In 2016, inspired by her peers, she took the Accounting Technician Scheme (ATS) exams, passed all four papers, and was inducted the same year. She continued her Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) certification, funding it with the little stipend she earned from work.
Mary’s challenges deepened when she lost her father, leaving her without financial support. Around the same time, she discovered Caleb University’s Distance Learning Program and decided to enroll, despite having no means to pay her tuition.
Friends advised her to choose between ICAN and a bachelor’s degree, but she refused to give up on either. Determined to continue her education, she made countless sacrifices—giving up luxuries and even basic comforts. She lived in an uncompleted building for months just to be closer to work.
“Thanks to the friends who clothed and fed me. Don’t worry, I won’t mention your names, but be rest assured, I owe you,” she said.
Despite battling financial struggles, academic stress, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Mary remained dedicated to her studies. In 2019, she achieved a major milestone—becoming a chartered accountant while still an undergraduate.
She ended her final semester with a perfect 5.00 GPA, graduating in 2020 as the best graduating student in her department.
“Now, I step into the world knowing that my victory is sure. I move forward without looking back at the nights of tears and worry,” she shared.
Mary’s perseverance has now earned her a fully funded scholarship, along with the prestigious Forté Fellowship from the Forté Foundation, to study for an MBA at Indiana University – Kelley School of Business, USA.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Mary remains focused on her personal and professional growth, ready to make an impact on the world.
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