Esther Mosaku is someone who has grown and learned to always work hard. Imbued with the understanding that hard work is essential not only to afford basic needs but also to achieve personal growth, Esther has endeavored to maintain high academic standards and step out of her comfort zone to seize valuable opportunities. From hosting social and intellectual programs as the Head Girl, to working as a public speaker and chief editor for the school’s media team.

Following her secondary school graduation, Esther decided to take a gap year to not only discover herself but also to give back to the community in the best way possible for her. Her first eye-opener was participating in Technovation Girls, a non-governmental organization aimed at developing female problem solvers. Through her involvement in her first passion project, Esther realized the opportunities and privileges that came with studying in the US and subsequently discovered her passion for using technology to develop solutions to community problems. Subsequently, Esther enthusiastically worked on two other projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the atmosphere and minimizing waste products in the environment. Recognizing the value of giving back, Esther held free weekend mathematics classes for students from a neighboring public school.

In 2023, Esther applied for the Opportunity Funds Program at EducationUSA in Lagos State and was fortunate to be selected as part of the cohort. Through this program, Esther discovered a unique community that became like family, offering her immense support. From significant financial assistance to access to outstanding alumni, she successfully navigated the US application process. In the fall of 2024, Esther will continue her education at the University of Puget Sound on a full merit scholarship after being selected as a Matelich Scholar, an award given to only two students from the incoming class. Esther is ecstatic about the next four years to come.

Goodnews obtained his Bachelor's degree in Plant Science and Biotechnology from the University  of Port Harcourt, Nigeria where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and top of his class in 2020.  On the strength of his previous research engagements and the mind shifting sessions during the  Education USA bootcamp which held in May 2023, he would resume as a PhD student and  Teaching Assistant at Oklahoma State University in Fall 2024. His research as an evolutionary  biologist will cut across understanding convergent evolution of traits and how this relates to  disparities in species richness across habitats and scales using bioinformatics and phylogenetic  methods, exploring the evolution and diversification of tropical plants using genomic and  morphological data as well as expanding our understanding of the tropical niche hypothesis. 

Previously, he worked as a Graduate Assistant (NYSC) at Delta State University, Abraka. Where  he mentored a number of undergraduate biology Students. He also served in different capacities  on the General Executive Council Board for the Nigerian Christian Corpers' Fellowship (NCCF)  and Christ Ambassadors Students Outreach. 

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 extends his heartfelt gratitude to the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds  Program, Lagos, for the invaluable support he received toward achieving his graduate school  goals. From top-notch mentorships to an amazing network of peers, and generous financial  support, EducationUSA was truly fundamental to his graduate school application success. 

Goodnews’ determination, resilience and dedication makes him a 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.

Isaiah Agboola is a First Class graduate from Delta State University, Abraka, where he studied Mechanical Engineering and emerged as the best graduating student in the department in February 2022. He is also one of 3,300 successful candidates (out of 120,000) from the prestigious Aspire Leaders program, offered by Harvard University Faculty. 

Upon graduating from the university, he completed his one-year mandatory service at the largest cement plant in Nigeria, Dangote Cement Plc. During this time, he identified a major issue facing the manufacturing industry: unplanned downtime. Studies show that manufacturing industries lose about $50 billion and 800 hours each year due to unplanned downtime. Recognizing the need for a solution, he decided to pursue a doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Additive Manufacturing; he intends to revolutionize the manufacturing industry with this new technology. 

May 2023 marked a turning point for Isaiah. He was one of 26 successful applicants out of 600 for the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP). This program provided him with valuable information on how to secure a fully funded admission in the United States. Thanks to the mentorship from this program, he received four admissions for his PhD program in the US. He will be attending the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in the Fall semester of 2024 on a full ride. 

Committed to academic excellence, access to quality information, and giving back to the community, Isaiah offers a mentorship program for undergraduates and recent graduates. Through this program, he brings valuable information that would help them succeed in the outside world to their doorsteps.

Ismail Olayinka Olajide holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography graduating as the only first- class student in the set from the University of Lagos. He has received numerous awards spanning his undergraduate days and beyond. He was awarded the UNILAG Endowment Fund for four successive years by maintaining a CGPA above 4.5/5.0 from his 100 Level to 400 Level. Upon graduation, he was also awarded the HOD’s Cash Prize Award for Best Graduating Geography Student in the year 2018 and also received the Prof I.A Balogun Cash Prize Award for Best Graduating Geography Student in 2018 as well. 

Currently, Ismail is rounding up his master’s studies in the Department of Geography with a specialization in Remote Sensing. For his about-to-complete master’s program, he has received both the Chukwuemeka Cosmas Ezenwa’s CBSS research grants for Nigerian postgraduate students and the 2023/2024 UNILAG Muslim Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship Award. 

Ismail’s experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing birthed his interest to want to apply geospatial data, tools, and techniques in addressing land use land cover change as a result of human-environment interaction in a bid to promote conservation efforts, protect biodiversity and tackling climate change and climate change – induced events. 

With the vital mentorship and support of EducationUSA as a 2022 Opportunity Funds Program Cohort, he has been awarded a fully funded PhD program in Geography at the University of Alabama in the USA where he will be investigating the effectiveness of water-harvesting earthworks in protected mountainous region in Mexico with Dr Mathew LaFevor, as well as work on assessing the possible impacts of plantation-induced land use change on water resources in the Cross River Rainforest of Nigeria.

As a recent graduate with limited work experience and mentorship, navigating the complex application process felt daunting for Jennifer. Yet, the challenges she faced only fueled her resolve to succeed.

A turning point in her journey came when she discovered the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program. Through the available mentorship and resources provided, Jennifer gained valuable insights into crafting a compelling Statement of Purpose, refining her CV, and preparing her application materials. The program’s support gave her the confidence and tools to navigate the application process successfully.

Jennifer is now set to pursue a Master's in International and Development Economics at Yale University. She aspires to design and implement policies that promote renewable energy adoption, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and expand access to clean energy in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Jennifer credits EducationUSA with playing a pivotal role in helping her achieve her academic and professional dreams. She is profoundly grateful for their support and looks forward to making meaningful contributions to global development and energy sustainability.

John Aremu, a first-generation student from a small family in South West Nigeria had his curiosity piqued from gazing into the night sky, learning new things, and understanding fundamental questions about the universe. This prompted him to pursue a career in Physics in order to provide answers to these questions.

John attended the University of Ibadan where he graduated summa cum laude and was the second-best-graduating student in the Department of Physics in 2021. He held leadership positions as the Regional President of the National Association of Physics Students, South West Chapter Nigeria, and as the Speaker of the Lord Tedder Hall Representative Council, which helped him develop his leadership and communication skills. His interest in physics and research led him to take up internships as a research assistant at institutions such as the Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Ibadan, Oyo State, where he contributed to leading research and honed his research skills.

John was among the 26 selected graduate applicants out of over 600 who applied for the 2023 EducationUSA Opportunity Funds program. His participation in this program equipped him with the skills and necessary information required to compile a competitive application and secure a fully funded offer in the United States. He was exposed to tips and tricks, as well as educational resources and materials, under the guidance of advisors and mentors who directed him through the process. As a result, John was able to secure two fully funded offers for a PhD program in the United States.

John will be attending Northeastern University Boston campus for his doctoral program in Physics, starting in the Fall of 2024.

Joshua Ayere’s academic journey reflects his dedication to excellence and passion for addressing environmental challenges. He holds a diploma from the Petroleum Training Institute and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Benin, where he graduated in the top 1% of his class. His exceptional academic performance earned him several scholarships, including the Vice Chancellor’s Scholars Award. In addition, Joshua showcased his leadership by leading his department to victory in the 2022 NSChE subregional Quiz Competition.

Joshua’s passion for research, particularly in waste management, stems from his childhood experiences near an unmanaged landfill in Lagos, where he witnessed the environmental consequences of waste mismanagement. This experience motivated him to pursue solutions for transforming waste into valuable chemicals and fuels, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigating pollution. He is actively involved in research at the Bioresources Valorization Lab and has contributed to high-impact publications in top journals.

Through his involvement in extracurricular activities, Joshua advocates for sustainable practices and waste-to-wealth initiatives. With the guidance of EducationUSA advisers, Joshua secured multiple fully funded PhD offers in Chemical Engineering and will join the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Fall 2024, where he has been awarded the Distinguished Scholar Award in recognition of his achievements.

Bred and born in the slums of Agege, Lagos state, Juliana Omagbitse Carpe had a particularly rough childhood. She grew up financially lacking and attended a government-owned school to relieve the pressure off her struggling parents. Amid her discouraging environment and plethora of distractions, Juliana gave her all to her education. She graduated from Vetland Senior Grammar School in 2022 where she served as the Food Prefect and project coordinator of the JETS club amongst other leadership roles. She was also the Salutatorian of her graduating class and finished with the second-best WASSCE result in her set with 4As and 5Bs. 

During her high school years, Juliana made her mark of academic excellence even outside the walls of her school. She was declared the top Female Mathematician amongst all public school students in Lagos, by the Mathematical Association of Nigeria in 2022. Additionally, she was recognized as the only Female competitor amidst 37 finalists from 3000+ competitors in the state level of the National Institute of Physics, in Lagos, Nigeria in 2021. She was also honored as the most diverse and gifted student by receiving the Award of Diversity amongst roughly 60 selected representatives from all top schools in Lagos at the African Leadership Academy camp held in Lagos. Amongst many more laudable achievements, she embodies the success of the girl-child education. 

After graduation, Juliana decided to take a gap year where she spent most of her time giving back to her community by organizing outreaches to government-owned schools with the Girl Up: Brave Hearts initiative. She volunteered at the Lagos Food Bank Initiative and the EmpowerEd initiative, both aimed at providing basic amenities and food items to the underprivileged mothers and children. She also volunteered at tutorial centers where she prepared students who were looking to sit for their upcoming external examinations as well as held several seminars aimed at encouraging academic excellence. 

In June 2023, Juliana was selected as an EducationUSA OFP scholar. She took the SAT and had a 1530 by October, then submitted her application to four US colleges. By December 2023 she was accepted to all: Dartmouth College, Fisk University, Spelman College, and Alabama A&M University, bringing the sum total of her awarded scholarships to over 600 thousand US dollars. 

Juliana has decided to attend Dartmouth College on a full-ride scholarship as a member of the class of 2028. She will be majoring in Biomedical Engineering on the premed pathway at the Ivy League institution. Stemming from her own speech disorder, she is passionate about implementing modern-day technology in the innovation of assistive devices for lesser researched disabilities. She spends her free time drawing and watching Japanese animé and is excited for her journey forward.

Kelvin Nkemakonam Orji is a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science at the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). As the Speaker of Students’ Union Government (SUG), UNEC, Kelvin passed the Help a Student Initiative (HASI) bill into law. This law provides tuition fees for 20 high-achieving indigent students in the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus yearly. His sound leadership and great contribution to the students’ community earned him the renowned Vice Chancellor Travel Grant to Stockholm and Uppsala Universities, Sweden. 

On graduation in 2019, Kelvin was inducted into the Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria in 2020, after which he proceeded to his one year professional internship at The University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital, Itukku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria. In 2021, He went for his one year compulsory NYSC at Central Hospital, Warri. After the NYSC, Kelvin secured a placement at P- Wave Diagnostic Services, Delta State where he currently works in the position of a senior biomedical scientist. 

As a research enthusiast, Kelvin couldn’t appreciate the diverse facets of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disease research at P-Wave Diagnostics due to its routine nature, thus he applied for research internship at Delta Plus Molecular laboratory which is the research hub for most of the high institutions in Delta State and one of the most equipped molecular laboratories with the state-of-the-art facilities in Nigeria. At Delta Plus, Kelvin engaged in numerous research collaborations, publishing many works in cardiovascular disease biology in reputable research journals. 

May 2023 was a life changing month for Kelvin, pulling through the extremely competitive EducationUSA Opportunity Fund Program (OFP) application. Kelvin is one of the 25 successful scholars out of 600 applicants in the OFP, 2023 application cycle. The program provided orientation and sound mentorship on the perfect approach to securing a fully funded program in the United States Universities. Thanks to EducationUSA, Kelvin will be attending Augusta University in Augusta city, Georgia this fall to study Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences program on a full ride. 

Conclusively, Kelvin has robustly demonstrated his ethos of giving back to society through efficient mentorship programs for fresh graduates and undergraduate students. These programs will obviously provide smooth sailing to these students in the outside world.

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.

Olabode Amusan is a resilient and visionary young man with a first-class degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, where he graduated as the best student in his department. As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, his journey has been marked by exceptional determination and perseverance.

Olabode began his academic pursuits believing that a quality education, especially abroad, was beyond his reach. However, supported by his local church and driven by the conviction that his background would not define his future, he embraced every opportunity for growth. His church community played a key role in his academic path, even covering the cost of his university entrance exam when finances were tight.

Before enrolling in university, Olabode took a gap year to work as a bartender to support his family. This phase of life instilled in him the values of discipline, humility, and hard work. A guiding principle he lives by is: "If you aim at perfection, you will most certainly embrace excellence."

During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, Olabode was introduced to EducationUSA by a fellow corps member. This moment proved pivotal. He engaged actively with the EducationUSA Advising Center and applied for the prestigious Opportunity Funds Program (OFP). With their guidance, he completed the rigorous application process and standardized tests required for graduate studies in the United States.

His persistence paid off in Spring 2023, he received a fully funded admission offer into the Ph.D. program in Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Dakota State University. This achievement stands as a milestone not only for Olabode but also for the family and community that believed in him.

Olabode's story is a powerful reminder that dreams are achievable regardless of socioeconomic status. With faith, grit, and support from one’s community, barriers can be transformed into stepping stones toward success. He remains committed to using education as a tool to inspire others and create a lasting impact in his field and beyond.

Olajumoke Bisola Oladapo is a distinguished academic, having earned a First-class Bachelor's degree in Biological Science from Tai Solarin University of Education, Nigeria, followed by a Master's degree in Cell Biology and Genetics from the University of Lagos with Distinction. She was awarded the Dr. D. K. Olukoya Academic Award of Excellence, which funded her Master’s studies. Olajumoke also participated in the Cambridge University ReachSci Mini-PhD Internship, enhancing her research and presentation skills. She is an active member of professional bodies, such as the Genetics Society of America and the Nigerian Society of Experimental Biology.

Olajumoke is passionate about volunteering, dedicating two years to the Teach For Nigeria Fellowship, where she taught STEM subjects in underserved schools and launched "Talent Forge," a platform for her students to showcase their talents. Two of her students received scholarships for their undergraduate programs through her initiative.

In 2023, Olajumoke was awarded the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Award, which provided support for her application to U.S. PhD programs. She is now pursuing a fully-funded PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, and credits her success to determination and the guidance of supportive mentors.

Oluwaseun is a focused, determined, and enthusiastic researcher with a strong passion for understanding Host-parasite compatibility and Evolutionary Biology of Parasites. She bagged a first-class honor in Zoology at Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria. 

Her undergraduate experience channeled to the detection of these parasites that cause preventive diseases through microscopy and with the use of other laboratory techniques further increased her passion for research.  Her exceptional academic performance made her qualify for various research projects with grants as she explored the Giwa and Ojuromi Lab with research focused on host-parasite relationships. She recently concluded a funded research on "Investigation of the effectiveness of Antenatal care (ANC) programs and factors associated with poor participation among pregnant women in Alimosho area Lagos State” and currently working on “Evaluation of Heavy Metals and Parasite in Fishes as Indicator of Pollution in Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria” with a TETFund grant. These prove her outstanding skills, she also took the time to guide and support undergraduate students interested in these topics. 

The greatest thing that happened to her career was when she got accepted into the EducationUSA OFP 2023/2024 cohort and her attendance and participation in the Graduate School Bootcamp in the U.S. Lagos consulate made her achieve this milestone.  The experience and guidance she received from EducationUSA helped her bag a fully funded scholarship for her Master’s program in the United States of America. After a few months of mentorship from the Education USA Advisers, she finally got a YES and will be attending Oregon State University in fall 2024 for her Master’s degree in Integrative Biology on a fully funded offer covering a tuition waiver, health insurance, and living expenses. Many thanks to EducationUSA for the mentorship!

Oluwatofunmi Adeboye obtained his Bachelor's degree from Mountain Top University, Ogun State, Nigeria, graduating with First-Class honors. He was the best-graduating student in the Department of Geosciences at Mountain Top University, with a CGPA of 4.85 out of 5.00 in the 2021/2022 academic session. During his undergraduate days, he served as the Academic Secretary and the President of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Mountain Top University Student Chapter and the Mountain Top University Geoscience Students Society (MTUGSS). He was part of the team of students that represented the university in the Imperial Barrel Award 2021 and the SEG Challenge Bowl competition. Oluwatofunmi was a beneficiary of the Daniel Kolawole Olukoya (DKO) Scholarship Foundation throughout his undergraduate studies and received the AAPG Foundation's L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant in his senior year. 

In 2023, Oluwatofunmi Adeboye secured a coveted spot in the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program, being selected as one of only 26 candidates out of 600 applicants. With the invaluable support he received toward achieving his graduate school goals, including high-touch mentorships, an amazing network of peers, and generous financial support, he received full funding to pursue an MS program at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. This opportunity marks a significant turning point in Oluwatofunmi's career, as he will be studying the interaction between the mantle-plume ridges on the Galapagos Hotspot by processing and analyzing shear waves obtained from the Ocean-Bottom Seismometer. 

In conclusion, this program has the remarkable ability to change lives and create opportunities that once seemed unattainable. 

Thank you, EducationUSA!

Opeyemi Ojo Fatunbi is an accomplished scholar with a passion for research, education, and scientific discovery. He earned a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Biology and Chemistry from Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, graduating as the best student in the Chemistry program. He went on to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, where he earned a First Class Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in Pure and Applied Chemistry and was recognized as the best-graduating student in his program.

Between his associate and bachelor’s degrees, Opeyemi worked as a research assistant at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, where he contributed to the development of Aflasafe®, a biocontrol product designed to reduce aflatoxin contamination in staple crops. This hands-on experience refined his research skills and deepened his interest in tackling real-world challenges through science.

After completing his undergraduate degree, Opeyemi participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, where he worked as a teaching assistant in the Industrial Chemistry program at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. This role allowed him to combine his love for teaching with his dedication to research, further solidifying his aspiration to become an academic.

Despite his impressive academic achievements, Opeyemi faced significant financial struggles throughout his journey. His determination and resourcefulness enabled him to overcome these challenges, ultimately securing a fully funded PhD position in Chemistry and Biochemistry at Ohio University, Athens. His doctoral research will focus on RNA drug discovery, a field with the potential to transform global healthcare.