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Three years ago, Folasewa (Sewa) Ofurune and her family left the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria, and settled in the quiet, close-knit town of Sussex, New Brunswick. The transition was a significant change - Lagos, home to over 22 million people, is a world away from the pastoral New Brunswick farming town - but for Ofurune, the move has opened doors of unimaginable opportunity.

“When we came to Canada, we originally wanted to go to Fredericton,” she said. “But we had to quarantine in Moncton. After a lot of research and reflection, we found Sussex. It has turned out to be the right place for me and for my family.”

Though adjusting to life in a much smaller town was a challenge, the Ofurune family quickly fell in love with the peaceful atmosphere and the kindness of the local community.

Ofurune, who recently began her studies at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) Saint John campus, is the recipient of the prestigious Ted Rogers Legacy Scholarship, valued at $100,000 over four years - an accomplishment that has brought both pride and relief to her entire family.

“I was in school writing a test when I was called to the office,” Ofurune said, smiling at the memory. “At first, I thought I was in trouble, but when I walked in and saw my parents and a guy with a camera, I knew something was up. When they told me I’d won the scholarship, I couldn’t hold back my tears.”

The scholarship - awarded annually to ten students attending a technology-focused program at one of six partner universities across Canada - is not just an acknowledgement of Ofurune’s academic achievements. It also lifts a significant financial burden from her family by covering her full tuition, living expenses and more.

“Sewa applied for over 50 scholarships,” said her father, Henry Ofurune. “When we heard she had won the Ted Rogers Scholarship, we were in shock. She doesn’t need student loans now, and we don’t have to work ourselves to the limit.

“It’s truly a blessing.”

Ofurune’s journey to UNB and enrollment in its computer science program is marked by her passion for technology and her drive to make a difference.

While she was a student at Sussex High School, she was part of a team that participated in CyberPatriot's National Youth Cyber Defense Competition - the world's largest cybersecurity competition - where she worked on identifying cybersecurity vulnerabilities in virtual operating systems. This hands-on experience further fueled Ofurune’s interest in computer science and engineering.

In the summer of 2023, she attended Shad Canada’s STEAM camp at the University of Prince Edward Island, where she and her peers took part in a design challenge to reimagine living spaces in Canada. The project focused on increasing sustainability, accessibility and community building, with Ofurune’s group proposing innovative solutions for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

“It was my first exposure to real-world problem-solving, and it was incredibly inspiring,” she said.

As Ofurune embarks on her academic journey at UNB, where she is rooming on-campus with her older sister, she is hopeful and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

“I chose UNB not only because it’s close to home but because I know it will give me a lot of opportunities to grow and connect with people. I’m passionate about cybersecurity and the impact it has on people’s lives, especially in combating things like online scams and cyberbullying.

“I want to be part of a force for good,” she said.

Her father echoes his youngest daughter’s excitement.

“We are big on education and this scholarship is a remarkable achievement for Sewa. We are sure she will thrive at UNB and we are incredibly grateful to Rogers and the University of New Brunswick for making this possible.”

As Ofurune settles into her new life on campus, she is filled with a sense of purpose and gratitude.

“Winning this scholarship felt like all my hard work was finally being rewarded. It’s a relief for my family, and it has already opened up so many possibilities for me.

“I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.”