I decided to study in the United States because I learned that I could work and study simultaneously whereas in Nigeria I could only study and I might not get financial support.




Philip Emeagwali
interviewed by Reuben Abati for The Nigerian Guardian.

I decided to study in the United States because I learned that I could work and study simultaneously whereas in Nigeria I could only study and I might not get financial support. My second reason for coming to the United States is that I wanted to become a scientist and felt that the United States will provide more opportunities than Africa.

I applied for admission in 1973, the admission officer was impressed by entrance examination scores and gave me a tuition scholarship, without my applying for one. During my visa interview, the consular officer was also impressed with my academic credentials and overlooked the fact that I did not and could not pay my living expenses from Nigeria, which was the standard requirements. I arrived in Oregon in March 1974.

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