Chibuike’s Story Is Not Over
13 January 2026
In a letter sent January 12 to contributors to the Chibuike Fund, we informed them of what the previous news post conveyed and stated: “After a long and difficult process, Chibuike’s attempt to obtain a U.S. student visa has ended for the foreseeable future due solely to the frequently expanding travel bans by Presidential Executive Order.”=
And furthermore, that “we initially believed reapplication was possible despite early reports of a partial travel ban affecting Nigerians and other predominantly Black countries in Africa. However, after digging deeper into the expanded scope of Donald Trump’s travel ban, it became clear that Chibuike would have virtually no chance of securing another interview” until the ban is lifted by Congress or the next administration overturns them.
With the help of his musical mentor, cellist Michael Jones, Chibuike is already on the hunt for a school in a country that remains open to talented, driven international students. That list, by the way, includes all countries around the world other than the U.S.
We are currently concentrating on Canada but remain open to other English-speaking countries such as the UK, Ireland, and others. Although there are no guarantees, a further hope is for him to still come to the U.S., possibly for graduate studies at IUP, after a new administration hopefully lifts the current widespread travel ban that has affected thousands of Black, Muslim, and Latino students across the globe, as well as millions of tourists and other visitors. And, of course, the ban also impacts the many American students and universities that benefit immensely from witnessing the diversity and mixing of cultures.
Chibuike will complete his Diploma of Music from the MUSON School of Music in Lagos, Nigeria, this July with hopes of starting a bachelor’s degree in September. Although it will not be easy and back up plans are being considered, this young man is determined to hold on to his dreams.
It will be difficult and expensive. We have the funds to get him to his graduation at MUSON, but we need significant additional funding for his continued journey.
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