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, 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'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.

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.

Kosisochukwu Onyeagba graduated top of his class with a first-class degree in Biology from the University of Abuja. His passion for research led them to volunteer as a research assistant, contributing to multiple publications in international journals. Kosisochukwu's dedication to giving back is evident through his teaching and volunteer work, including hosting webinars on the impact of COVID-19. Recognized for his leadership, he received the National Association of Nigerian Students Certificate of Excellence for their outstanding academic achievements and positive impact on Nigerian youth. Through EducationUSA opportunity funds program Kosi secured a fully funded offer to pursue his PhD from University of Cincinnati.

Manje Dasplang Monday comes from a rural community (Farinkasa) in Mangu LGA of Plateau State Nigeria. Coming from a humble family of 5, his journey to success wasn't rosy due to many disadvantaged background characterized by economic distress, poor educational standards, insecurity, and limited access to basic amenities. Dasplang  was supported through school by his family who are peasant farmers.

He started elementary school at Farinkasa with very limited furniture in the classroom, he remembers sitting on the bare floor to learn. Afterward, he proceeded to Government Secondary School Halle for his secondary school and later transferred to COCIN secondary school, where he completed his secondary education. This was a defining moment in his life; He was fascinated by science and became passionate about pursuing a career in science after his encounter with the JETs club where he emerged a leader. He enrolled at Plateau State University Bokkos in 2015 to study for a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, where he graduated top of his class with meritorious awards in 2021.

His passion for research has always been his drive to seek opportunities to build a career in research. This led him to take an internship position at the Biotechnology Advance Research Laboratory, SHECTCO, and then a research assistantship position at the Circulatory health research Laboratory, University of Abuja. These experiences have enabled him acquire great research skills. The more he learned new things about science, the more he found out there is still much more to learn. Having had a great experience in his research, saw the need to develop his skills to world-class standards. The family’s financial status was a significant limiting factor, as his parents could not afford to pay for his gradute education. As a determined young man, He started seeking scholarship opportunities. The search for scholarships led him to EducationUSA through a friend.

Being a member of EducationUSA was a life-changing opportunity. It provided hands-on close mentorship and funding through the rigorous and daunting process of securing graduate admission and Funding in the USA. EducationUSA has assisted him immensely in realizing his aspiration of gaining world-class scientific training. It has also provided me with a family of young scholars looking forward to becoming agents of change in their society.

 He will be joining the University of Oklahoma Norman for a Ph.D. in Chemistry, majoring in the Biochemistry track. His research seeks to provide insights into the molecular medicine of diabetes and identify potential therapeutic options. He is  ever grateful to my EducationUSA mentors for finding him worthy of this offer. Thank you, Mrs. Folashade Adebayo, Miss. Malate-Ann Atajiri, and Mr. Goddey Oguche, for making my dreams a reality.

He dedicates my his success to God almighty and then to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Monday Manje, for providing parental support despite all odds. He is passionate about accepting the challenge of becoming an agent for positive change in the 21st century by discovering and developing new approaches to improving human living conditions.

Mathew Okorigwe was ignited by the loss of his sister to diabetes at age 6. This experience ignited a strong passion for schooling and researching a cure for such diseases. He has always had big dreams of studying at a renowned university in the U.S., as this would allow him to probe diseases using state-of-the-art facilities and resources. After secondary school, he sought ways to realize this dream, all to no avail – largely due to the paucity of finance. He, however, was undaunted in my quest to uncover the mechanisms of disease occurrence. Thus, opted to study Biochemistry at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).

This venture proved to be one that would eventually bring him closer to his dream of studying in the U.S. While discussing his goals with one of his lecturers, the lecturer informed him about the Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) of the EducationUSA – it turns out he was an Opportunity Funds (OF) Scholar and was set to resume his Ph.D. studies in the U.S. in the Fall of the same year. He was excited to have learned about EducationUSA and to this end, he carefully worked on developing himself through tutoring other students during his undergraduate studies. He took several online courses, attending seminars and workshops, and assisting his lecturers with their research – some of these research findings, he presented at international conferences and some published work in reputable journals.

Upon graduation from the university in 2021, he continued in the same vein but at this time, actively carrying out research through an internship at the Centre for Genomic Research in Biomedicine, and this paved way to connect with scientists from renowned biotech companies like Qiagen and Inqaba Biotec. He also participated in a host of voluntary activities and headed the Gender and Charity CDS group during NYSC. Part of our initiatives was to develop children's self-esteem. We organized programs like "pad-a-girlchild," amongst many others. All of these prepared me to achieve my dreams. The reality of this dream to be true started in year 2022 when he got selected for the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program thankfully.

He remains eternally grateful to EducationUSA advisors (Aunty Shade and Ms. Malate) for their sacrifices and significant roles in helping him achieve his dreams. He is greatful to the U.S. government and the U.S. embassy in Abuja for the Opportunity Funds Program. Also greatful to his lecturers at my alma mater,  principal investigator at the Centre for Genomic Research in Biomedicine, his family and friends, and the wonderful members of EducationUSA Abuja

In graduate school, he aims to research the molecular mechanisms of disease occurrence, the interaction between ligands (therapeutic agents in this case) and their receptors, and how this interaction may bring about the progression or amelioration of diseases. I hope to develop targeted therapies that may influence the post-translational modification of proteins implicated in cancer-related diseases. He got a fully funded P.hd program at the University of Notre Dame.

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 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. 

With absolute resolve, I am passionate to see msy dream come true. However, my future aspiration of becoming a college professor did not get my parents' approval as they wanted me to become a medical doctor. The medical profession is seen by the average Nigerian as a lucrative job with high level of security. Following this, my determination birthed a firmness in me to maintain my position of this career path that I have chosen. Thus, on gaining admission into the University of Benin to study Plant Biology and Biotechnology much to my parents' disapproval, I received little moral support from family and friends all in a bid to make me change my mind.

This drawback did not limit my determination to succeed and achieve academic excellence; it gave me the resilience to be the best with all strive and diligence. Consequently, I graduated with a First-Class, not only a first-class but the best graduating student of my class and also, I have a publication with the Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management. This earned me membership in a leading research group in Genetics affiliated with the University of Benin and The Scholar of the Year Award from the National Association of Plant Biology and Biotechnology Students (NAPBBS). Achieving these feats only means that the actualization of my goal is only closer than before.

Furthermore, I have been accepted into the University of Maryland, College Park, a renowned land-grant university, where I will pursue my masters education in Plant Sciences. At this institution, I will serve as a Research Assistant under the supervision of Professor Qi. Our research focus will revolve around comprehending the application of CRISPR/Cas system for crop improvement, with the ultimate goal of of acquiring the necessary technical and research skills relevant to future food security research. With my laudable accomplishments, I know better now that a dream does not just become a reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work. Also, desire is the key to motivation, but it is the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal that will enable you to attain the success you seek. 

Being the first in a family of seven who feeds from hand to mouth, my parents struggled very hard to train my siblings and me because they were low-income earners. Despite my family background, I was determined to further my studies to improve the lives of others with my research findings in drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. I did several menial jobs every semester break to save up for my fees.

My resilience and determination to excel saw me graduate with First class honors in Biochemistry. Seeing my brilliance and passion to help human lives, Barrister Chigozie Udemezue encouraged me to join EducationUSA, not only to put a smile on the faces of my parents, who have been struggling since Adams, but also to fulfill my dreams in drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Having the privilege to become a member of EducationUSA in 2022 broke the barriers I encountered in submitting my application to graduate schools in 2021. EducationUSA enlightened me on how to navigate through the application process, communicating with potential supervisors, and a whole lot more.

Victoriously, I got admitted to pursue a PhD in Chemistry at Miami University Oxford, Ohio, USA. My joy knew no bounds when I was selected as an Opportunity Funding beneficiary. I was deeply touched because this rare privilege will help me actualize my dreams. I remain ever grateful to all the EducationUSA advisers, most especially Aunty Shade and Ms. Malate, for their unwavering support and uncompromising love. Thank you very much; I am highly indebted to you.

I am confident that the knowledge and expertise I shall acquire will equip me adequately to establish a health care facility in Nigeria that will take care of neurodegenerative diseased patients with drugs from natural substances other than synthetic drugs, which have led so many Nigerians to their early graves. I have no iota of doubt that I will be an invaluable asset to EducationUSA and, in turn, support upcoming Opportunity Funding scholars in the near future, because I believe that to whom much is given, much is expected.

I came, I saw, and I conquered... My academic journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, showcasing my dedication, perseverance, and leadership abilities. A pivotal moment occurred when I emerged victorious among numerous candidates, securing admission into the renowned School for the Gifted in Gwagwalada. This experience exposed me to a competitive environment, fueling my drive for excellence and enabling me to excel in competitions while showcasing my problem-solving skills. During my time in high school, I achieved many remarkable feats. I ranked among the top performers in the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) national qualifying examination, both in theory and practical aspects.

Moreover, I proudly represented my school as the best student in inter-school competitions. Additionally, I had the privilege of publishing my research on converting sound to energy on SSRN, which now stands among the top ten most downloaded research papers in the engineering section of the journal. Alongside these achievements, I assumed leadership roles in both the Jets Club and the Drama Club. Moreover, I initiated the "Greener Tomorrow" environmental club, demonstrating my passion for sustainability and fostering a sense of responsibility towards our planet. I also devoted myself to tutoring students in the sciences and undertook several personal projects in data science and software development.

Despite initial rejections, I persevered, reevaluated my application, and eventually secured a full tuition scholarship from the prestigious University of Southern Mississippi. This validation of my efforts reinforced my belief that resilience and hard work lead to tangible rewards. Reflecting on my experiences, I firmly believe that everything and everyone has a purpose. The moment we surrender and give up, we have truly failed. The sky's the limit

Where I come from, a diploma certificate is good enough, and a first degree is incredible – anything more was considered a waste of time & resources. I studied computer science and graduated with a first-class grade from Adamawa state polytechnic, and I proceeded to the university. At the university, I won several awards as an undergraduate, including the Etisalat Nation award for academic excellence and the university governing board merit award; I also represented the university in the 2019 Intercollegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) and served as an Academic counsellor in the computer science students fellowship. However, Little did I know that a Nigerian student could study internationally and reach the zenith of their academic carrier.

My incredible journey started when I met EDUSA. I realised we could achieve the impossible if we only dared to dream. I got acquainted with many high achievers, and I was inspired by mentors/advisers who believed and made me believe in myself. But being first in a family of four children, I knew that my family could not afford the cost of studying abroad. I attended a community college, planned to start a business after my undergraduate and, of course, get married - ‘bigger’ things I had thought were meant for those born with a silver spoon. However, my contact with EDUSA changed my perspective and gave me the courage to dream beyond my limitations. I learnt about the academic opportunities that were available in STEM and how I could go through the application process. EDUSA also provided financial support and resources that enabled a smooth ride through the challenging process. Friends called to inform me about opportunities for which I was a good fit and reminded me to submit my application before the datelines.

 I am excited to pursue a PhD in computer science with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence at Kent State University. I plan to develop AI mobile software for diagnosing onchocerciasis - a leading cause of blindness that affects over 18 million people globally.

I thank the Lord for the opportunity, and I appreciate the EDUSA family for every encouragement, mentorship and support; today, I dare to dream, for vision is hope, and the hope of millions relies on the success of my dream.