Adebola Esther Adeniji holds a Bachelor of Technology (B Tech) degree in Ecotourism and Wildlife Management from the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA). She graduated with a first class and was the best graduating student in her department.  She has great interest in natural resources conservation and sustainable management.

During her National Youth Service Corps, She worked as a research assistant at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria where she gained more knowledge in Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing and its application in natural resources conservation and management. She collaborated in a research titled ‘Probabilistic Cellular Automata Modelling and Simulation of Land-Use Changes in Okomu National Park’ which has been published in a peer reviewed journal. After her National Youth Service, to hone her skills in GIS and remote sensing she interned at the Center for Space Research and Application, FUTA.  She is also a recipient of the IDEA WILD research equipment grant. She volunteered with non-governmental organizations focusing on making contributions to natural resources conservation and management such as Eden world initiative, Elom greenie, among others.

She got selected among the 27 successful candidates out of over 7000 applicants for the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program for the 2022/2023 cohort. Through the mentorship and financial help of EducationUSA, she successfully passed all the hurdles of getting into a graduate school with fully funded admission in the US. She secured a fully funded admission in the Ecological Sciences and Engineering interdisciplinary doctorate program at Purdue University.

Having been brought up in a local community and now growing up to lead life-changing initiatives has contributed immensely to my transformative leadership and capabilities. I realized earlier that education was the only weapon I  had to fulfill my aspirations of becoming a global change agent. As a first-generation college graduate, I completed a  bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), graduating among the top students in my cohort (2021) and won several awards, including the Federal Government Scholarship  Award from sophomore year to final year. The kind support I received as a scholar from this scholarship made it possible for me to earn a university degree. All my life, I have striven for excellence regardless of my socio-economic background, and I have achieved great feats regardless of the opposition and constraints. Throughout my academic career, I have developed a deep curiosity for the multifaceted and constantly evolving fields of science and  technology. My college experience exposed me to different research subjects and sparked a thirst for more novel  findings, with special attention to advanced materials and manufacturing. These experiences led to the discovery of my curiosity about understanding various engineering materials across a wide spectrum of real-world applications and inspired me to pursue an advanced degree. I am keenly passionate about developing solutions that are easily accessible for the retention of sustainable advanced materials and manufacturing technologies. 

As someone always willing to give back to my community, I did not limit my abilities to only academics; I've had the privilege of volunteering and leading more than five non-profit organizations within the campus and the community in different capacities. I served as a vibrant executive of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers,  FUTA Chapter. I also co-pioneered the establishment of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, FUTA, and served as its  founding secretary. In college, I mentored up to seven junior students who also secured several undergrad  scholarships. In 2022, I was unveiled as the face of Nigerian youth leaders by the Public Affairs division of the United  States Consulate, Abuja, upon completion of a 9-month intensive leadership fellowship organized by the Africa  Leadership Initiative West Africa. My desire to inspire and impact the underrepresented youth population around me led me to establish an NGO called Career Associates Nigeria with over 67,000+ followers on LinkedIn. 

The turning point in my career came when I got to the final interview stage of the EducationUSA OFP 2023 cohort and had the opportunity to participate actively during the Graduate School Bootcamp at the U.S. Lagos consulate.  This experience and wealth of knowledge I garnered ignited a burning desire to pursue my dream of securing a fully funded doctoral program in the United States of America. Fast forward to months later, I got that big win, and I will be attending the prestigious Pennsylvania State University in spring 2024 for my doctoral program in Materials  Science and Engineering on a fully-funded offer covering a tuition waiver, health insurance, and a competitive stipend. Thanks to EducationUSA for the mentorship!  

As a further projection, my research aims to focus on the design and development of new advanced materials with attention to sustainability and durability by leveraging computation, experimental techniques, and machine learning.  Ultimately, my long-term pursuit is to pursue a tenured professorship in materials engineering and advanced manufacturing, where I can train and supervise students to become tenacious researchers while contributing significantly to the body of knowledge in the field.

Adeyemi graduated in 2020 as the best graduating student in the Department of Biochemistry at Lagos State University with a CGPA of 4.86 out of 5.00. During his undergrad days, he served as both the departmental coach and the director of education. After his undergraduate journey, Adeyemi embarked on a year-long National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) experience at a renowned pharmaceutical company, solidifying his practical skills and contributing to the pharmaceutical industry's progress. It was during this time that Adeyemi's dedication to biochemistry found real-world applications.

Eager to further enhance his research skills, Adeyemi pursued a graduate internship at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). This experience served as a valuable stepping stone in his academic and professional journey, honing his ability to conduct in-depth research and investigate the intricacies of biochemistry in greater detail.

In 2021, Adeyemi secured a coveted spot in the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program, a remarkable milestone in his educational journey. With the generous support of this program, Adeyemi received full funding to pursue a Ph.D. program at Texas Tech University in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. This opportunity marks a significant turning point in Adeyemi's career, where he will continue to expand his knowledge and explore the boundaries of scientific discovery.

Adeyemi's story is an inspiring testament to what can be achieved through dedication, commitment, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. 

John Olusegun Adeyemo was born and raised in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he completed his primary and secondary education. From his early years, John exhibited a thirst for knowledge and an unwavering dedication to self-improvement, evident even during his primary education.

Transitioning to Ideal Comprehensive College for his secondary education, John faced initial academic challenges, particularly in the field of Mathematics. However, he persevered and displayed an exceptional academic trajectory, culminating in his appointment as Senior Prefect during his final year of high school. Recognizing the need to cultivate excellence among his peers, John co-founded the Quiz Club, a commendable initiative aimed at grooming the top 1% of students for various competitions. Notably, John represented his school in numerous competitions, consistently delivering outstanding performances.

During the pandemic, John represented ICC at the SG Holdings Quiz competition for STEM students in his state. After several rigorous rounds, he emerged as the best STEM student in his region and 4th in the state. John graduated as the valedictorian with the best result from Ideal Comprehensive College and scored 313 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Discovering the Opportunity Funds Program, John took a leap of faith and submitted an application, despite the slim odds of acceptance. His determination paid off when he received the news of his selection as an Opportunity Funds Program scholar. This came with a lot of responsibility as John knew next to nothing about the US application process. John received numerous rejections after submitting his initial applications to a variety of institutions in the US, including Minerva University. Reflecting on the process, John started Intellect Africa aimed at helping high school students understand the numerous opportunities available to them.

Despite encountering numerous rejections during his arduous journey, John refused to be deterred. For the final time, he applied for the fall of 2023, enduring a rollercoaster of emotions along the way. Ultimately, John received acceptance letters from notable institutions such as Stetson University, Florida Southern College, and Alabama A&M University, each accompanied by partial to full funding opportunities. Come fall 2023, John will be resuming at Alabama A&M University on a full scholarship covering the cost of attendance, where he hopes to study Computer Science.

Akinola Emmanuel is a first-class graduate of mechanical engineering from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, in the top 4% in a class of 97. Emmanuel's academic journey instilled in him a deep appreciation for the profound impact of education on individuals and society.

With a firm belief in the transformative power of education, Emmanuel is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others. He has leveraged his passion for helping humanity through GEGAS (Get Educated, Get A Skill) Africa, an initiative that focuses on ensuring access to quality education for underprivileged Nigerian youth. Currently, Emmanuel holds the position of communication lead, utilizing his skills to effectively convey messages and promote the initiative's objectives.

As an EducationUSA opportunity funds scholar, Emmanuel was exposed to firsthand information and guidance needed in applying to U.S. schools and provided the necessary resources to make his graduate school ambition a reality. Emmanuel applied and received two fully funded admissions for a Ph.D. program in Mechanical Engineering at U.S. institutions.

Emmanuel is set to embark on his academic journey at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. His research will focus on additive manufacturing and Micro/nano-scale materials (Nanotechnology), an area he is deeply passionate about. 

In his account, becoming an EducationUSA OFP scholar was one of the best things that happened to him and he wholeheartedly believes that EducationUSA Lagos has the potential to assist Nigerian students, like himself, to reach for the stars. He eagerly anticipates the opportunity to contribute to the community that has played a pivotal role in his personal growth and is convinced that doing so will serve as a means to help aspiring individuals with goals and dreams similar to his own to reach their full potential.

Aondoakaa Philip Ityotagher holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and Technology with first-class honors from the University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria where he received various awards including the award as the best graduating student in the 2016/2017 academic session. He worked as a student intern at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Kaduna Area Laboratory where he analyzed NAFDAC-regulated food products to ensure that established quality requirements were met.

He is also a volunteer member of the International Human Rights Commission. In 2023, Aondoakaa completed his Master of Science degree in Food Technology with distinctions from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He is passionate about food science research, particularly in the areas of value-added processing of food materials and the development of functional foods and bioactive components to improve public health and lower the risk of chronic diseases. He currently has three (3) publications to his name. 

Aondoakaa is an EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) scholar. Through EducationUSA he was able to apply successfully to graduate schools in the US. He secured a fully funded offer for his Ph.D. program in Food Science and Technology from the University of Georgia, United States. His research will be focused on enzymatic modification of lipids for various food applications (such as infant formula, trans-free margarine, shortenings, etc.). He intends to use this degree to positively impact the Nigerian food industry.

Awwal Damilare Oladipupo completed his bachelor's degree at the University of Lagos, where he studied Petroleum and Gas Engineering and graduated Top 1% of the institution and the valedictorian of the College/Faculty of Engineering and the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering. He has won several awards and prizes which include; The Oxford and Cambridge (OxBridge) Club of Nigeria Leadership Award for having excellent academic performance and outstanding leadership qualities, the Lagos section’s Society of Petroleum Engineers Most Dependable Student Award for his selfless act in service to other students, and influencing a better student community through his volunteering, Society of Petroleum Engineers Academic Excellence Award, ECPM Engineers Award, and so on. In addition, he was named one of the ten outstanding Engineering students in Nigeria and received special recognition and a prize for academic achievement from the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), he was also selected to participate in the Stanford Exposure to Research and Graduate Education (SERGE) 2022 program.

Awwal through the guidance and mentorship of the EducationUSA Advisers (Lagos), secured fully funded offers for a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at four universities in the US and is currently at the University of Michigan for his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering with a research focus on leveraging computational techniques, such as machine learning, atomistic simulations, multiscale modeling, simulations, and software engineering, to accelerate the discovery and design of novel materials. He aims to harness these techniques' power to gain a deep, atomistically-resolved understanding of intricate phenomena.

In his account, he characterizes his time as an OFP scholar in EducationUSA Lagos as a pivotal and exhilarating experience. He is convinced that the EducationUSA team can make the graduate school dream a reality by offering top-notch human resources in the form of EducationUSA Advisors, supportive mentors, and inspiring team members. Through this community, he has acquired the skills to maintain a positive outlook, concentrate on his objectives, and continue developing on his growth journey in graduate school and beyond. He anticipates collaborating with other EducationUSA mentors to guide prospective students in achieving their aspirations.

Ayobami Deborah Obisesan earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M) degree (2015) and a Master of Science (MSc.) in Veterinary Pharmacology degree (2018) from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She graduated from the Master of Science in Veterinary Pharmacology program with a distinctive CGPA of 6.6/7.0. She was a Research Assistant at the Cardiorenal Research Laboratory at the University of Ibadan, and a Lecturer at the School of Part-time Studies of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan.

She has true passion and interest in imparting knowledge, guidance, and mentorship to students; her research background is in Pharmacology and Toxicology. She has presented findings from her research at different fora. She is a member of Professional Organizations including the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) and the Forum of Nigerian Toxicologists (FONTOX). She has nine (9) co-authored publications.  

She is an EducationUSA Lagos Opportunity Funds Program 2022 Scholar. Through the guidance and mentorship of the EducationUSA Advisers and Opportunity Funds Program Alumni, she  secured a fully funded offer for a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She hopes to have a formidable career in the Biomedical Sciences, conducting solution-proffering studies and imparting knowledge to upcoming students. 

She is certain that the support from EducationUSA Advisers, inspiring mentors, and cohort members would make the dream of higher education a reality. She looks forward to being a mentor to prospective students.

AYOBAMI OLUWASEUN OLUOKUN

Ayobami Oluwaseun Oluokun obtained her Bachelor of Technology degree in Industrial Chemistry from the Federal University of Technology, Akure where she graduated with first-class honor (4.86 of 5.00 CGPA) and was the overall best-graduating student of her department (Industrial Chemistry) and faculty (School of Physical Sciences). In addition, she was the third-best graduating student of the institution at the 2019/2020 University convocation which got her the National Association of Science Students (NASS) Best Student of the Year (2019/2020) Award, and some scholarships pre- and post-graduation. She aspires to carryout innovative researches in Analytical/Environmental Chemistry. 

Apart from her excellent academic performance, she demonstrated leadership skills by serving as the General Secretary, and President of the Education Community Development Service during the one-year mandatory service to the nation (National Youth Service Corps) from July 2022 to January 2023. As a way of giving back to her community, she volunteers with some non-governmental organizations such as Help3Org (now Slum and Rural Aid For African Child Development Initiatives (SARAFACDi)) as a content writer, Food and Genes Initiative (FAGI) as a campaign volunteer, Royal Heritage Health Foundation (which focuses on child sex education) as a Low-Risk Girl, where she was opportune to join the campaign group in sensitizing people on HIV/AIDS in her local community (Saki, Oyo State).

Ayobami Oluwaseun Oluokun secured fully funded Ph.D. scholarship into three universities in the United States through the guidance and mentorship of the EducationUSA Advisers (Lagos) as an opportunity fund program scholar. She is currently attending Texas Tech University as a Ph.D. student in Chemistry where she is majoring in Analytical Chemistry division. The financial assistance rendered by the EducationUSA Opportunity Fund Program (OFP) has gone a long way in easing her financial burden and that of her father. Also, the assistance helped her in settling in fast in the United States of America and has taking her a step closer to attaining her career goals. Ayobami is grateful to the advisers and scholars of EducationUSA (Lagos) and she promise to keep impacting lives positively in her journey through life. 

Chiamaka Ezeh obtained her Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, graduated with a First Class and doubled as the best graduating student in her cohort, in the 2019/2020 academic year. During her undergraduate studies, she displayed an unwavering commitment to academic excellence and leadership, frequently conducting tutorials for peers and serving in various capacities, especially in her final year. 

Her dedication extends beyond academics. Chiamaka has shown a profound commitment to advancing healthcare, especially in rural communities. As a key volunteer at Dr. Modesty Care Foundation, she contributed in organizing health outreaches and disseminating vital health information to underserved populations. This zeal continued during her mandatory NYSC year, where she was the Lead for the Health Corner of the Editorial Team and Community Development Service tasked with curating essential health articles for publications in the monthly newsletters. 

Interested in advancing her knowledge in Molecular Biology and Genetics, she first, applied and became a 2022 recipient of the Opportunity Funds Program of the EducationUSA Lagos Nigeria. During her time with EducationUSA Lagos Nigeria, she underwent a transformative journey that prepared her for graduate school. Their invaluable advice, paired with dedicated mentorship, molded her into a more enlightened and goal-oriented individual. They didn't just provide her with answers but also instilled in her the skills and stamina essential for higher academia. “It is clear that they are not just information providers; they are architects who lay the foundation for aspiring scholars like me”, in her words. Truly, they serve as beacons of knowledge and light and shapers of destiny. With no prior experience or knowledge and with the ever-supportive advisors and mentorship from the past EducationUSA scholars, on her maiden attempt, applied and got accepted into the prestigious Cornell University. 

Chiamaka Ezeh is currently a Ph.D. student in the Genetics, Genomics, and Development graduate field at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Cornell University. She is interested in exploring the complexities of gene regulation and its role in the onset and progression of life-threatening diseases such as cancer. By uncovering the molecular mechanisms governing gene expression, she aims to pinpoint novel therapeutic targets and contribute to the development of innovative treatments for cancer patients.

Chibueze graduated from International School, University of Lagos in 2021 where he served as the Head Boy and co-president of the Social Committee amongst other leadership roles. He was also the valedictorian of his graduating class and finished with the best WASSCE result in his set. After graduation, Chibueze decided to take a gap year where he spent most of his time shadowing several medical practitioners as well as interning at a medical facility in Surulere, Lagos. He also volunteered at several tutorial centers where he prepared students who were looking to sit for upcoming external examinations as well as held several seminars aimed at encouraging academic excellence. In June 2022, Chibueze was selected as an EducationUSA OFP scholar, and by December 2022 he got accepted to Northwestern University where he is presently double majoring in Neuroscience and Computer Science on the premed pathway. He was also named an Integrated Science Program (ISP) scholar and was selected as one of thirty students admitted into the highly competitive Northwestern University’s Bioscientist Research Program where he is presently researching neural stem cells and regenerative medicine. He is passionate about implementing modern-day technology in the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative ailments and spends his free time playing Soccer and Chess.

Chimaroke is a dedicated research enthusiast with a strong passion for understanding  evolution. He graduated with top honors in Zoology from Lagos State University,  standing out as one of the best in his class in the year 2021. His interest in applying  computational skills to explore evolutionary processes led him to a bioinformatics  and computational biology lab at Lagos State University, where he gained practical experience in analyzing genomic data. Chimaroke also took the time to guide and  support undergraduate students interested in these topics.  

He was selected as one of only 26 candidates out of 600 applicants for the  EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program for the 2023/2024 cohort. This program  provided him with valuable mentorship on securing a fully funded scholarship in the  U.S after facing multiple rejections in previous years  

He is now set to begin his PhD studies at Clarkson University in New York, focusing  on Evolutionary Biology, thanks to a fully funded admission offer. Chimaroke's dedication and determination make him a true role model for those  with a passion for scientific exploration and a commitment to academic success.  He’s ever willing to mentor upcoming students in this regard.

Cynthia was the best-graduating student in 2022 with a CGPA of 6.9 out of 7.0 from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan. She had distinctions in five out of the six departments in the Faculty of Pharmacy and bagged 18 awards upon graduation, including awards for the best-graduating student in Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, the best graduating student in Clinical Pharmacy, the best student in Dispensing, the Renowned Chemist Prize, etc. She is the national 3rd place winner of the 3rd edition of the Shalina Young Talents Award Competition, a quest for the best pharmacy brains in Nigeria. She was a nominee for the Award of Academic Excellence, the Fifteen Most Outstanding Persons Award (FOPA), Junior Chamber International (JCI), University of Ibadan Chapter in 2021. She was also a beneficiary of the Jim-Ovia Scholarship for two years of her undergraduate studies. 

Cynthia enjoys helping students learn their coursework by organizing tutorials with the mindset of academic excellence. She shows students practical directions to experience ease even in the most technical courses. She has positively influenced several students in secondary schools and universities across Nigeria to shift gears in their academics by sharing study habits and adaptive lifestyles for success in senior secondary schools and undergraduate studies. She believes strongly in the irreplaceable help of God to succeed in academics as with every other important life endeavour.  

Cynthia is a public speaker and a winner of numerous debate competitions, including being the overall best speaker at the Chief Lanre Bello Interfaculty Debate Competition, Junior Chamber International (JCI), University of Ibadan Chapter in 2018. Cynthia was the Face of Pharmacy and the Miss Pharmacy Beauty Pageant winner in 2017. She has actively participated in several free medical outreaches to rural communities in South-West Nigeria and a  few communities in Ghana from 2015 to 2023. She is keen on scientific research, with Pharmaceutics as her mainstay.

Cynthia is a 2022 EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Scholar. Through the robust boot camp in 2022, access to EducationUSA resources,  and the guidance of EducationUSA advisers and past OFP scholars, she learned how to research schools that would be a good fit for her program, how to get funding, create an academic resume, draft a well-composed statement of purpose, and other helpful guides to submit a strong application. She got into a fully funded Ph.D. program in Pharmaceutics at the University of Iowa at her first attempt in August 2023. She was also awarded the Keith Guillory Pharmaceutics Graduate Fellowship. 

I am a graduate of the University of Lagos, Nigeria where I studied Cell Biology and Genetics and graduated with first-class honours (top 3% of my class). EducationUSA Lagos has been an invaluable resource on my graduate school journey. The first time I visited EducationUSA Lagos, I was overwhelmed with questions and uncertainties about studying abroad. However, advisors at EducationUSA Lagos, I can boldly say that My advisors through providing tailored guidance on universities, scholarships, and the application process made the grad school application journey a beautiful experience. They offered hands-on support in preparing my application materials, and writing my statement, interview preparation and financial support were a great relief for me. The informative workshops and webinars organized for me and my cohorts were insightful in exploring different aspects of studying in the United States. They actively connected students from diverse backgrounds with scholarship options, making every resource needed for my grad school preparation more accessible.

Thanks to their unwavering support, I got admitted with a fully funded Ph.D. offer into the University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, Nebraska USA where I would research cancer diagnostics and therapeutics in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB). EducationUSA Lagos has played a pivotal role in my educational journey, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible assistance I have received from Mrs U, Mr G and Mrs J and to the EducationUSA body. Thank you for always showing us the many possibilities and to dare to take those bold steps.

Fortune is a student with immeasurable growth and an insatiable hunger for success in his academic and personal pursuits. He owes much of his success to the support and guidance from EducationUSA during his college application process. Thanks to their help, he was able to explore a wide range of scholarship and financial aid opportunities and, ultimately, gain admission to Minerva University, where he will double major in Neuroscience and Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. For three consecutive years, from 2019 to 2021, Fortune held the baton as the overall best student in Mathematics and Further Mathematics and other subjects at the secondary school level at Oke-Afa Senior Comprehensive College, a public school. 

This earned him several awards as the best student in science for his set. He helped set a standard for his Alma mater, erasing the stereotypical comments that it once had. Despite his academic prowess, he remains humble and always willing to help others. As the senior health prefect, he practiced first aid administration, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and counseling sick students and girls of menstrual age. Through these experiences, he learned empathy and built essential communication skills that he believes are instrumental to his long-term goal of resolving neuropathological conditions as a neurosurgeon. Fortune is also passionate about giving back to his community. After graduating from high school, he founded a coding club to empower over 30 students and three teachers, where he teaches the languages of the web.

Additionally, he founded the Feed Aid Initiative, which rallies the alums of his academic year to raise funds to feed the less privileged children in their community. Fortune's unconquerable spirit was evident when he endured several rejections from many colleges he applied to. However, he never gave up on his dream of studying abroad, and with the support of EducationUSA, he finally found a suitable college and gained admission to Minerva University. EducationUSA played a vital role in Fortune's success. They provided him with guidance and support throughout the college application process, from helping him identify the right colleges to apply to comprehensive advice on writing a winning personal statement. Thanks to their assistance and support, Fortune can now pursue his dream of studying at Minerva University, confident that he has the backing of a team of experts committed to his success.