North West Migrants Forum

All smiles...Chukwuka Frank Nwanonenyi, the first recipient of the North West Regional College (NWRC) Asylum Seeker Scholarship, enjoying his graduation ceremony this week.

Celebrations as Frank graduates from North West Regional College

A 36-year-old Nigerian man who was the first recipient of the North West Regional College (NWRC) Asylum Seeker Scholarship has graduated.

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 he wanted to thank the North West Migrants Forum for the support the charity has given him in recent years.

“I am so proud to be graduating from NWRC and I want to thank the College and the North West Migrants Forum who have helped support me on this journey.

“Since moving 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.

Frank receiving his scholarship in 2023. He is pictured with, from left, Fiona Hamilton of North West Regional College, CEO of the North West Migrants Forum Lilian Seenoi Barr and NWRC staff members Michelle Breslin and Bronagh Fikri.

Chief Executive of the North West Migrants Forum, Lilian Seenoi Barr, said the organisation was immensely proud to see Frank reach such an important milestone.

“We know how hard he has worked and the struggles he has faced in getting to this point,” Mrs Barr said.

“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.”

Frank with Migrants Forum CEO Lilian Seenoi Barr and Gillian Moss, Head of Client Services at North West Regional College. (Picture Martin McKeown).

Gillian Moss is Head of Client Services at NWRC. She said the College was also very proud to see Frank receive his diploma.

Ms Moss added, “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 North West Migrants Forum 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.”