godwin obi
2023 Beneficiary
read more
godwin obi
2023 Beneficiary
Godwin Obi holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he graduated summa cum laude in 2021. He is a Ph.D. student at Princeton University, and his research cuts across improving and applying optimization-based macro-energy systems models, evaluating nascent carbon-neutral technologies, and generating insights for informing public policy and planning decisions of regional, national and sub-national jurisdictions transitioning to net-zero carbon emissions. He also serves as the Founder/Director of the University of Nigeria Scholar Accelerator (UNSA), an organization focused on equipping some of the brightest undergraduate students with transformational leadership skills for impactful careers.
Godwin was a Finalist for the 2023 Oxford University Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa; Harvard University–Founded Aspire Leaders Program Fellow; Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) Fellow; Guest at the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) in Brussels, Belgium; Delegate at the Princeton University 47th Business Today International Conference; Winner of the Rockefeller Foundation–Acumen $10,000 Social Innovation Award; Winner of the IEEE R8 Entrepreneurship Challenge; and Overall Best Graduating Student of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria 2020 Academic Session. In 2021, he was named one of the Top 100 Brightest Young Minds in Africa by BYM.
He extends his heartfelt gratitude to the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program, Lagos, for the invaluable support he received toward achieving his graduate school goals. From the high-touch mentorships to an amazing network of peers, and generous financial support, EducationUSA was truly fundamental to his graduate school application success. In addition, the degree of validation that comes with being affiliated with EducationUSA, he is convinced, stood out his candidacy from the fierce pool of applicants. Godwin is truly grateful to the EducationUSA Lagos leadership team for their transformational impact on his life and career.
izuchukwu iwuamadi
2023 Beneficiary
read more
izuchukwu iwuamadi
2023 Beneficiary
Izuchukwu Iwuamadi is a first-class graduate of Food Science and Technology from the Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Makurdi Benue State. During his time as an undergraduate, Izuchukwu excelled academically and in several leadership positions. For instance, he was the Editor-in-Chief of the Food Frontiers Magazine, a publication of the Nigerian Association of Food Science and Technology Students (NAFSTS), Benue State Chapter. In addition, he served as the Regional Secretary of the Scripture Union Campus Fellowship, Abuja Region.
Izuchukwu’s passion for community service spurred him to conduct various environmental campaigns while serving as the President of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)-Community Development Service Group, Oyo State Chapter, during his mandatory national youth service. He has also served as a volunteer with the Fashioned and Made for Excellence (#FAME) Foundation, an education and leadership-based NGO. Moreover, he served as the Editorial Assistant for the Nigerian Journal of Nutritional Sciences, the publication arm of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria. In 2023, Izuchukwu completed his Master's degree in Food Technology with a Distinction from Nigeria’s premier University, The University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Izuchukwu is a recipient of the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program award. Under the leadership and guidance of Advisers and Mentors, he secured a fully funded offer for his PhD program in Food Science and Technology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, United States. He would be investigating the effect of dietary fibers on the human gut microbiome.
jesuferanmi ayanlade
2023 Beneficiary
read more
jesuferanmi ayanlade
2023 Beneficiary
Jesuferanmi Ayanlade, born and raised in Osun state, Nigeria, embarked on a remarkable journey that has shaped him into an exceptional individual. Graduating as the Valedictorian from Obafemi Awolowo University International School, he left an indelible mark on his alma mater. Throughout his academic journey, Jesuferanmi showcased his leadership abilities as the Senior Prefect and co-chair of the school orchestra, captivating audiences with his piano skills. He was the editor of the school’s yearbook and had a major role in the school’s football team.
He won a 4 million naira scholarship at the 2022 Interswitch SPAK National STEM competition breaking several records in the competition along the way. He was also named a 2021 Yale Young African Scholar. Jesuferanmi had a record high of 347 in his 2022 UTME, the highest achieved by someone who offered Biology, Physics, and Chemistry in the examination. He got 1540 on his SAT. He had 780, 770, and 760 in the SAT Subject Tests of Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics respectively. He also got an 8.5 overall on his IELTS, 7As in his WAEC, and a 4.94/5.00 GPA.
After graduating from secondary school in 2022, Jesuferanmi's journey led him to volunteer at a local government clinic, where he digitized vaccination records. He secured a Brandeis University scholarship for a global health course, further fueling his passion for learning. Jesuferanmi became a Junior Researcher at the New York Academy of Sciences, exploring 5G and IoT technologies for energy efficiency. He also conducted research with Obafemi Awolowo University on Nigerian teenagers' awareness of climate change's health impacts. Inspired by the research's impact, he founded "Enlighten Them Young," a non-profit with over 300 members promoting environmental awareness and knowledge.
During this gap year, Jesuferanmi also took intensive courses on malaria proctored by the World Health Organisation. He then got a scholarship to do an online course on Global Health with Brandeis University, USA. Beyond his pursuits in healthcare, Jesuferanmi indulged in his passion for the arts as a professional photographer and achieved commendable fluency in Greek and German.
With the help of EducationUSA’s OFP scholar program, Jesuferanm’s natural aptitude for learning and leadership opened several doors for him. He was named one of 10 Stamp Scholars at Mercer University(a full-ride scholarship with an additional $16,000 in personal enrichment funds). He was the 2nd international student to ever receive the award in the university’s history. He received acceptances into other extremely competitive American and Canadian universities like the University of Toronto, Williams College, Lehigh University, Colby College, UNC-Chapel Hill, and Centre College, among others. He received several generous scholarships from these institutions with a total value amounting to over 2 million US Dollars.
However, Jesuferanmi has decided to attend Dartmouth College on a full-ride scholarship as a member of the class of 2027. He will study Cell Biology at the Ivy League institution on a pre-med track. He is excited for the next four years.
kazeem jimoh
2023 Beneficiary
read more
kazeem jimoh
2023 Beneficiary
Kazeem's journey is a testament to the remarkable potential of a young individual who has shown unwavering determination, leadership acumen, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Graduating from the Great Cornerstone College in 2020, he stood out as a beacon of leadership and academic excellence. Throughout his tenure at Cornerstone College, Kazeem assumed various leadership positions that underscored his abilities. Notably, he served as the president of the JETS Club, leading a dedicated team of students to build a fire alarm system. His guidance and innovative thinking shone through in this project, a testament to his capacity to rally individuals toward a common goal. Kazeem's leadership extended beyond this role as he also donned the mantle of Captain in his class, where he bore the responsibility of ensuring orderliness and amplifying the voices of his peers.
Moreover, Kazeem's academic prowess has consistently set him apart. His passion for learning and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence propelled him to represent his school in a multitude of academic competitions, including the Olympiad, Cowbellpedia, and STAN competitions. The recognition he garnered in these arenas not only reflected his intelligence but also his unyielding dedication to academic growth. Indeed, his teachers and peers hailed him as an "all-rounder" for his remarkable ability to excel in various domains.
Kazeem's talents continued beyond leadership and academics. He enthusiastically engaged in a range of extracurricular activities, demonstrating his versatility. His prowess extended to the soccer field and sprinting tracks, where he displayed remarkable skill and determination. His ability to shine in both the academic and athletic spheres is a testament to his holistic approach to personal growth.
After graduating from high school, Kazeem's journey took an exciting turn when he stumbled upon the EducationUSA program. This discovery marked a pivotal moment in his life, leading to his selection as one of the exceptional 34 students out of 2608 applicants accepted into the program. The opportunity to join the EducationUSA program opened doors to a world of support and mentorship from advisors, mentors, and peers who recognized his potential.
With the invaluable guidance he received, Kazeem has embarked on a journey that would shape his future at Minerva University. His perseverance and dedication culminated in a remarkable achievement – admission to Minerva University with a full need-based financial aid package.
Kazeem's aspirations are nothing short of inspiring. He is determined to pursue a degree in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, an academic path that aligns with his vision to advance Nigeria technologically. His dream is to harness the knowledge and skills he acquired at Minerva University to make a meaningful contribution to his homeland's technological progress.
His journey is a testament to the extraordinary potential that can be unlocked when a young mind combines leadership, academic prowess, and a passion for personal growth. His story is not only a testament to his journey but also an inspiration to all young individuals who dare to dream and persistently strive for excellence. Kazeem's future at Minerva University promises groundbreaking accomplishments that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Nigeria and the world.
kehinde adeogun
2023 Beneficiary
read more
kehinde adeogun
2023 Beneficiary
Adeogun Kehinde graduated high school in 2021 from Ota Total Academy. He graduated as not only the best overall student, with 8A1’s and 1B2 in the WASSCE but also as the second best overall student in the UTME in Nigeria in 2021. He has also constantly topped his class every academic session and was the leader of many projects and reforms in his school.
During his time at school, he was a passionate and warm leader. After Secondary School, Kehinde applied for and was selected as an Opportunity Funds Program scholar. There he learned more about the U.S. college application process through EducationUSA and continued to work his way through various mathematical literature, problems, and books.
Aside from his notable academic accomplishments, he has also created his own Udemy course. His fervor for mathematical research led to his acceptance into the prestigious Canada/USA Mathcamp 2023, an internationally recognized program for exceptionally gifted mathematics students. He was later granted a full scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University, Qatar, with aspirations of ultimately pursuing a doctoral degree in Mathematics.
The mentorship, advice and support I received all the way was very wonderful and useful.
A big shout out to the Education USA Team for all that you do.
mayowa joshua amusan
2023 Beneficiary
read more
mayowa joshua amusan
2023 Beneficiary
Joshua holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan, where he graduated top of his class with first-class honors. Additionally, he also earned a Diploma in Agricultural Technology, with distinction from The Polytechnic of Ibadan.
As a member of the National Youth Service Corps, Joshua served as a Teaching Assistant at The Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, Oyo State.
Joshua is a 2022 EducationUSA OFP Scholar. Under the guidance of his advisors, he gained knowledge on how to write a well-organized statement of purpose, an academic resume, and other crucial skills for submitting an outstanding application. As a result, he secured a fully funded offer for his master's degree program in Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Georgia. In his spare time, he engages in sports activities and volunteers for various NGOs.
mildred emegha
2023 Beneficiary
read more
mildred emegha
2023 Beneficiary
Mildred Chukwuedum Emegha completed her bachelor's degree at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, where she studied Industrial chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and graduated as the overall best-graduating student of the 2018/2019 session with a CGPA of 4.45/5.00. She won several undergraduate awards and kept the trail of being the best student at each level till she graduated. She has engaged in several free tutorials with students to make them outstanding in subjects where they displayed weaknesses. She contributed immensely to the Student Chemical Society of Nigeria (SCSN) and the Sustainable Development Student Network. She successfully managed the chemical week by training over 100 students on the art of production of a wide variety of home and personal care products yearly. She was involved in community development service, one of which was the construction and donation of a bio-sand filter to neighboring communities around her university community. She has also received several awards and commendations on national presentations commemorating world events. She has worked as a research assistant to a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and co-authored seven (7) research papers published in International journals. Mildred is a 2022 Education USA OFP scholar and acknowledges Education USA for their role of mentorship and guidance during her GRAD school pursuit. In her words, she wrote” We all share aspirations for achieving significant goals, but often we lack the guidance on how to bring them to fruition. Education USA played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between my career goals and my present reality. I consider Education USA a true blessing. With the dedicated mentorship and guidance from my advisors, Mrs. U, Mr. G, and Mrs. J, I successfully navigated the journey of getting a fully funded admission to a US institution for my graduate studies. They walked hand in hand with me, leading me through every step of the journey, and now my dreams have become a tangible reality. Education USA deserves all the blessings it can receive for their pivotal role in my journey”. She is studying chemistry in a fully funded Ph.D. program at the University of Missouri. Her research focuses on the application of nanotechnology for water purification and nano-remediation of the environment.
nwankpa favour
2023 Beneficiary
read more
nwankpa favour
2023 Beneficiary
Favour Nwankpa holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo Ebonyi State Nigeria. She was among the pioneer sets and graduated as one of the best (the top 3%). She worked as a student intern at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Port Harcourt Area Laboratory where she analyzed NAFDAC-regulated products to safeguard public health by ensuring that established quality requirements were met before they entered the Nigerian market. While here, she was recognized for her ability to learn procedures and work independently hence she was given the responsibility to train new intern intakes.
Favour enjoys helping people and giving back to the community. During her NYSC at Government Girls’ Senior Secondary School, she and her CDS group members organized awareness programs (debates, quiz competitions, and town hall meetings) to encourage girl child education and enrollment. She also volunteered with the Ovie Brume Foundation, where she taught high-achieving pupils from low-income backgrounds Numeracy and Grammar. Furthermore, she participated in raising awareness of breast cancer by volunteering with Kind Hearts International. She is very passionate about biomedical research with an interest in biofilm and antibiotic resistance. Before her application, she did an internship with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Yaba, Lagos.
Favour is an EducationUSA Opportunity Fund Program (OFP) scholar. She was selected among the recipients for 2022. Through advice, mentorship, guidance, and resources (e.g. the bootcamp and document reviews) she understood the US application processes, searched for her options, and submitted a competitive application package. This application package includes an academic resume, a well-composed statement of purpose, good standardized test scores, and also a good impression during her interview. She got into the Biological Sciences Ph.D. program at the State University of New York at Binghamton (Binghamton University) fully funded. She is working in Karin Sauer’s lab where she will be working on “Characterizing the role of matrix degradation in biofilm dispersion”.
oddiri regina titilayo
2023 Beneficiary
read more
oddiri regina titilayo
2023 Beneficiary
Meet Oddiri Regina Titilayo, a distinguished first-class graduate, who secured the coveted class rank of 2 and proudly stands within the top 1% of Aspire Leaders, an esteemed program offered by Harvard University. Her academic journey is not just a testament to her brilliance but also a manifestation of her unwavering commitment to addressing one of the most pressing global challenges – cancer.
Regina's passion for research is fueled by the staggering global statistics that reported nearly 10 million fatalities due to cancer in 2020, with projections from the World Health Organization indicating a potential tripling of cancer deaths by 2030. Particularly attuned to the challenges faced by developing nations like Nigeria, Regina is determined to revolutionize cancer therapeutics by pioneering the development of affordable, less toxic, and more efficient drugs.
Having earned the prestigious title of an Education USA Opportunity Funds scholar, Regina turned her aspirations into reality. Armed with invaluable firsthand information and guidance, she secured admission to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry at a U.S. institution. With two fully funded admissions on her plate, she chose the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as the canvas for her academic endeavors.
At UWM, Regina's focus lies in designing and developing drugs that intricately modulate specific proteins or pathways implicated in cancer development and progression. Her objective extends beyond mere elucidation of molecular mechanisms; Regina aspires to devise effective strategies to disrupt these mechanisms, with the ultimate goal of transforming cancer treatment paradigms.
Regina's belief in the transformative power of her academic pursuit is unwavering. She sees this journey as a means to acquire essential research skills and experiences that will empower her to contribute significantly to the advancement of cancer treatment strategies. Through rigorous academic and practical training, Regina is confident in her ability to make a meaningful impact on a global scale.
odunayo oluokun
2023 Beneficiary
read more
odunayo oluokun
2023 Beneficiary
Odunayo Oluokun is an exceptional lady with a remarkable academic and leadership background. Having graduated with first-class honors in biochemistry from the Federal University of Technology Akure in 2018, Odunayo continued to excel in her academic pursuits. She pursued her Master of Technology degree in the same department, where she graduated with distinction. Throughout her academic journey, she has demonstrated a keen interest in scientific research, particularly in the areas of neurological challenges and non-communicable diseases.
Odunayo's leadership skills were evident from her early years. She served as an HIV and AIDS peer educator during her secondary school education, showcasing her passion for community education and health advocacy. Her eloquence and dedication earned her various opportunities, including representing her school and state in competitions and cultural programs. During her undergraduate years, Odunayo actively contributed to her university community. She served as the vice president of the Christ Praise student fellowship, where she instilled moral values in her peers. Additionally, she was involved in community development projects during her one-year national youth service (NYSC), organizing sexual and reproductive health outreaches in rural areas. Her commitment to community service extended to various NGOs, where she volunteered her time and expertise to support initiatives aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 4.
In the sphere of scientific research, Odunayo has made significant contributions; as a Graduate Research Assistant, she worked with her mentors at the Functional Food and Nutraceutical Unit Laboratory of the Biochemistry Department, FUTA, on different experiments, leading to several publications and research grants. Her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge earned her recognition, including awards from the 2022 Neuroscience Society of Nigeria (NSN) Conference, the Centre for Research and Development, FUTA merit award and the prestigious ISN travel grant, which allowed her to present her work at the 2022 ISN conference in Honolulu, USA. Furthermore, Odunayo is not only a dedicated scholar but also a talented fashion designer, movie scriptwriter, and actor, showcasing her artistic skills beyond the scientific domain. Her exceptional talents and achievements have been recognized by EducationUSA through the Opportunity Funds Program (OFP). Through the guidance and support of EducationUSA, she was able to secure and start a fully-funded Ph.D. program in Chemistry (Biochemistry Division) at Texas Tech University, USA.
According to her, “EducationUSA created a platform for me to fly; the support of the advisors and resources helped me cross the hurdles of graduate school applications. The past and present OFP scholars were also instrumental in this journey. I am grateful. The opportunity provided to me and my sister by EducationUSA is golden, as it eased the financial burden of our education off our father’s pension, a man who saw us through university with his pension. I promise to harness this opportunity well and I sure will pay this forward”. With her passion for scientific research, dedication to community service, and leadership skills, Odunayo Oluokun is poised to make significant contributions to both academia and society. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring scholars and showcases the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving one's goals.
olayinka vaughan
2023 Beneficiary
read more
olayinka vaughan
2023 Beneficiary
Olayinka Vaughan is a driven and accomplished student who has excelled both academically and in extracurriculars. He graduated as Valedictorian with 9A1s in his WASSCE and a UTME score of 339 from Princeton College, Lagos, where he was also elected as Head Boy in his senior year due to his amiable personality. During his time at the school, he was the President of the JETS Club.
In addition to his academic achievements, Olayinka is passionate about coding and teaching. During the pandemic, he founded WebTeens, a coding group that taught HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to his friends. He also tutored public school students in organic chemistry and taught a class of 20 children how to code using MIT App Inventor during his school's summer camp.
Olayinka's commitment to community service is evident through his extensive volunteer work with his local Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria chapter. He participated in mission projects such as community clean-ups, visiting the elderly, and acting as a parking guide for schools and churches.
Olayinka's academic achievements and community involvement have earned him a fully-funded scholarship as an inaugural Wesleyan African Scholar. As an EducationUSA OFP Scholar, he will be joining Wesleyan University this fall to study Computer Science, where he hopes to continue making a positive impact through technology and education.
oluwadamilola olanrewaju
2023 Beneficiary
read more
oluwadamilola olanrewaju
2023 Beneficiary
Oluwadamilola Olanrewaju stands as a beacon of excellence and achievement. Graduating with top honors from the Department of Microbiology at the University of Lagos in 2021, she earned a First-Class B.Sc. degree, making her mark as the Best Graduating Student in the Department of Microbiology with an outstanding CGPA of 4.96/5.0. Her remarkable performance earned her all the departmental awards and placed her in the top 2% of students across the entire University.
Following her graduation, Oluwadamilola's journey took a transformative turn when she heard about EducationUSA, thanks to the recommendation of a previous Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) Scholar. Embracing this opportunity, she applied and was selected as an OFP Scholar in 2022. This pivotal moment opened doors to further her education and career. She attended the 2022 summer graduate boot camp, where she had the opportunity to connect with other scholars and was armed with accurate and comprehensive information on how to navigate the application process for graduate school.
Oluwadamilola is immensely grateful to EducationUSA for the unwavering support, guidance, access to resources, and mentorship that they provided. With the invaluable support and guidance from EducationUSA, her advisors, and mentors, she successfully secured a fully funded Ph.D. offer at the School of Molecular Biosciences at Washington State University.
She is currently a doctoral student in Molecular Bioscience at WSU, where she is pursuing her passion for life sciences and receiving training to address some of the most challenging questions in the field.
onyema obi
2023 Beneficiary
read more
onyema obi
2023 Beneficiary
My name is Onyema Obi. I graduated from the University of Lagos with a first-class honours, bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. During my undergraduate degree, I served as a fellow of the Millennium Campus Network to advance goal 12 (sustainable consumption and production) of the SDGs. I won the 2nd edition of the Francis Odefiagbon quiz competition at the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos, and was among the team that won the Zonal NSChe quiz competition in 2020. After I graduated from the University of Lagos, I interned at Babban Gona Farmer Services Limited as a business intelligence analyst, where I helped drive the company’s goal to increase the productivity and wellness of smallholder farmers.
I am currently enrolled in a fully funded PhD program at the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. I intend to do research in the area of electrocatalysis and battery technology.
I want to deeply express my gratitude to EducationUSA, Lagos, and the EducationUSA advisors for their immense support and mentorship during and after the application process.
My time at EducationUSA, Lagos, was a memorable one. I learned from the advisors not only about application and post-application processes (like how to search and apply to graduate school, how to prepare for a visa interview, and things to know before traveling to the US for graduate studies, among others) but also about life lessons I believe will be with me through my time in graduate school and beyond.
For current and future EducationUSA and OFP Scholars, you could not have asked for better advisors.
I want to once again express my heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. U. (Mrs. Chinenye Uwadileke), Mrs. J. (Mrs. Jennifer Okoye), and Mr. G. (Mr. Gbadebo Adejumo) (EducationUSA Lagos advisors) for their mentorship and support during this crucial process in my life. I look forward to working with EducationUSA, Lagos, as well as other scholars to assist aspirants in pursuing graduate degrees in the US.
Thank you, and God bless you.
osazee oravbiere
2023 Beneficiary
read more
osazee oravbiere
2023 Beneficiary
Osazee H. Oravbiere obtained his bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering from the University of Benin, in 2015, where he finished with First Class Honors (top 1%) and was awarded for his remarkable achievements upon graduation in 2021.
He worked as a Research Intern at Jeffa Geosurveys and Technical Services, Ltd. before and after his graduation. During his National Youth Service, he worked as a Graduate Structural Engineer at the Works and Physical Planning Division of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology Ikere-Ekiti in 2022. During this time, he became an Opportunity Funds Program, having no prior knowledge in navigating the Grads Application processes before, through the help of EducationUSA Advisors; he secured a fully funded Ph.D. offer at the University of Georgia, US. He is attending as a Ph.D. student in Resilient Infrastructure Systems.
peter oyefolu
2023 Beneficiary
read more
peter oyefolu
2023 Beneficiary
Peter Oyefolu graduated with a First Class honors bachelor’s degree and was the best-graduating student in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Benin in 2021. He worked as a research assistant at the Bioresources Valorization Laboratory, where he co-authored a few high-impact articles in top Elsevier journals, and he has gained recognition for his leadership experience. Through the generous support of the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program, Peter was offered four fully funded PhD scholarships and a fellowship. He is currently a recipient of the Howard P. Isermann Fellowship for his doctoral program in Chemical and Biological Engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Troy, New York.