Saheed Adesile LAWAL graduated from the Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) as the overall best graduating student of the set with the highest CGPA in the history of the university. During his undergraduate days, Saheed demonstrated outstanding academic excellence, which earned him several honors, awards, and scholarships, including the Undergraduate Prize of Physiology, awarded by the Physiological Society, United Kingdom, the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited Merit Award, Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) Merit Scholarship, FUTA Muslim Graduate Award for Academic Excellence, GLO/HUAWEI Award for Excellent Academic Record, etc.

Being an individual who loves to be active and give back to his society, excelling academically did not restrict him from participating in extracurricular activities and leadership roles. Saheed was involved in planning and executing several medical outreach programs during his undergraduate days. He was also the electoral chairman for the Students' Physiological Society of Nigeria (SPAN), FUTA Chapter for two consecutive sessions (2017/18 and 2018/19), and he served as a member of the executive committee for the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria (MSSN), FUTA Chapter from 2017 to 2019. He also volunteered as a tutor in his departmental academic tutorials and religious society. Saheed was the president of the Health-To-All Initiative (HTAI), a program created to give everyone worldwide access to the information they need to manage their health and live healthily.

Saheed Lawal is an EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program Scholar. He was one of the 34 successful applicants selected out of over 2500 that completed an application. Saheed secured a fully-funded offer in the United States of America (USA) to pursue a doctoral program (Ph.D.) in Neuroscience at Stony Brook University (State University of New York) for Fall 2022. His research will focus on the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. With the motivation to alleviate the rampant increase in the number of people with neurodegenerative diseases, this translational research will elucidate the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, and potential therapeutic strategies, thereby easing the lives of patients living with such disorders.

Seyi Bowale Adekoya is a First Class Chemistry graduate from Olabisi Onabanjo University. He graduated as the best student in the Faculty of Science, having a cumulative grade point average of 4.63 in a 5.00 grading system. 

Seyi proceeded to get a master's degree in Inorganic Chemistry at the Premier University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, where he graduated with a CGPA of 7.0/7.0.

Shortly after his graduation, he applied for a PhD in the United States of America and was offered admission to study chemistry at the University of New Mexico.

Seyi has a passion for knowledge impartation, which made him deliver free private lessons to his colleagues and younger ones struggling academically during his undergraduate days. Furthermore, he organized Easylife Coaching Classes for primary and secondary school students at no cost.

Seyi believes that for development to occur, individuals must be ready to give back to their communities. His passion for education, advocacy, and community service drove him to return to his alma mater to tutor the students in chemistry and mathematics and prepare them for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination during the holidays. He is also the General Secretary of the Charity Community Development Service during the National Youth Service Corps.

Currently, Seyi is teaching students planning to take their Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination to assist in their training and development. He sees this as a great platform to contribute in his little way to the community. Also, Seyi wants to expose these kids to the psychological and socio-cultural opportunities education presents.

Seyi Bowale Adekoya is a First Class Chemistry graduate from Olabisi Onabanjo University. He graduated as the best student in the Faculty of Science, having a cumulative grade point average of 4.63 out of 5.00. Seyi graduated with a master’s degree in Inorganic Chemistry at the Premier University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State, Nigeria, where he graduated with a CGPA of 7.0 out of 7.0.

Seyi has a passion for knowledge impartation, which made him deliver free private lessons to his colleagues and younger ones struggling academically during his undergraduate days.

Furthermore, he organized Easylife Coaching Classes for primary and secondary school students at no cost. Seyi believes that for development to occur, individuals must be ready to give back to their communities. His passion for education, advocacy, and community service drove him to return to his alma mater to tutor the students in chemistry and mathematics and prepare them for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination during the holidays. He is also the General Secretary of the Charity Community Development Service during the National Youth Service Corps.

Seyi also taught students planning to take their Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination and assisted in their training and development. He sees this as a great platform to contribute in his little way to the community. Seyi is currently a fully funded Ph.D. student of Chemistry at the University of New Mexico.

Born in the heart of Nigeria to a family with a very low socio-economic standing, I have faced a plethora of challenges (especially financial) in my life. Every moment forward posed an impediment to me when my dad passed away when I was very young; I had to struggle through life without any paternal support. My now single-parent mum had to take up the Herculean task of fending for my little brother and me. For years, I passed through severe lack and hunger that affected me significantly.  I remember always being a defaulter in paying my tuition. There was even a time my Vice Principal called me ‘the poorest of the poor’ because I always couldn’t afford tuition. The list of derisive encounters can go on. However, after years of struggles and pangs of indigence, I successfully completed my secondary education. Despite my fascination with education, it was seemingly impossible for me to secure a college education – until I discovered Education USA.

My first encounter with Education USA was in the 12th grade in high school (School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada) when Education USA delegates brought the thrilling news of the Opportunity Funds Program (OFP). Hearing the smorgasbord of opportunities and possibilities associated with studying in the USA not only elated me but also assured me of the feasibility of attaining a collegiate education – for FREE! I quickly applied for the OFP and, after a rigorous battle amongst a pool of hundreds of applicants, I was selected into the program, gratefully. Yippee!

This marked the beginning of my odyssey into a new era in my life. From attending mind-enriching meetings with fellow Education USA members to having didactic sessions with advisors, my perception of life changed massively. My walk with the advisors simplified the seemingly insurmountable processes of acing my standardized test (SAT, Duolingo), organizing my extracurricular activities, getting a formal résumé, making my school choices, and most importantly, writing stellar essays. My time with the OFP was very rewarding as I learned to be the best version of myself.

In the midst of a broken scenery, Education USA made a picturesque scene out of me. One thing I deeply appreciate about the advisors was the familial reception they showed to me – and everyone. Aunty Shade was always lovingly at the forefront of ensuring I make wise choices (and spanked me when I erred). Mr. Goddey adopted me as a son and always offered fatherly love and assistance to me. Aunty Kathryn was always enthusiastic about reviewing my essays. Together, the advisors made a new home for me and, for the first time in my life, I felt important.

Through the warm support and ever-ready financial assistance of the OFP, I was able to pass the tenacious test of applying to schools (though with multiple denials and waitlists) and finally secured the Presidential Scholarship (which covers full tuition and living expenses) at Fisk University. In a world where dreams may seem unachievable when one is confronted with daunting life challenges, I would never believe I would be where I am today, but here I am, thanks to the Opportunity Funds Program. The OFP is indeed an opportunity to make a nobody somebody.

My time with Education USA taught me a vital life lesson: never say ‘never’ when you’ve never tried. Without stepping out of your comfort zone, your dreams will remain what they are – just dreams. My moments with Education USA are unforgettable. I was a fallen wall; Education USA truly rebuilt me. My special thanks go to God Almighty, who made all things possible, the loving advisors, my darling mother, brother, friends, and well-wishers who have helped me all through this process. You guys rock!

Simisola Oloye holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree (CGPA 6.7/7.0) with distinctions from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria where she received various awards including the award as the Best Graduating Female Pharmacy Student. She worked as a Research Assistant at the Centre for Nanomedicine and Biophysical Drug Delivery, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja where she was investigating the use of natural polymers in the delivery of challenging drugs and biomolecules, including phytoconstituents. She is passionate about pharmaceutical research, particularly in the fields of pharmaceutics and drug delivery. She currently has 5 publications to her name. Through the EducationUSA she was able to apply successfully to graduate schools in the US. She joined the Industrial and Physical Pharmacy (IPPH) Ph.D. program at Purdue University where she received a fully-funded offer of over $65,000. Her research will be focused on drug formulation and novel drug delivery systems. She intends to use this degree to positively impact the pharmaceutical research and development sector and promote local drug production in Nigeria.

In March 2016, having received the award as the best-graduating student of UsmanuDanfodiyo University Sokoto 2012/2013 session, I knew I wanted more. I realized deep down that I needed to go all out to explore the world of science but this time on a more diversified space that is more challenging and that gives me a chance to compete on a more global platform.
During my NYSC in 2015/2016, I began researching for scholarships in the process, I stumbled upon a fully funded opportunity to study in India. A piece of information I got from my undergraduate lecturer. I quickly keyed into it as I had all the requirements and felt my application would stand out since I have a first-class degree and a couple of academic awards to show for it and India is quite reputable for excellence in the sciences. After the rigorous selection process, I was the only female selected. Studying in India gave me so much confidence that I could compete with my peers in more advanced countries and that studying abroad was not a mirage after all, for the children of nobody. 
In March 2019, I was awarded once again, the best-graduating student of the University of Mysore in India. I was heavily pregnant when I received this award; having gotten married in 2018. While receiving this award, there was so much surge of emotions and a lot running through my head; there was a greater motivation to do even more.
On recommendation by my Indian professors, I chose the USA for a Ph.D. I began to get myself ready for the applications for a Ph.D. Application fees wanted to be a little drawback but I didn’t pay much attention to that; I saved and saved to be able to pay for at least 3 schools and I did.
In 2021, I got into the Opportunity Funds Programme of EducationUSA, interacted with friends who were on the same path as me, sat for my standardized test, published a couple of research works, and in August 2021, I received a fully funded offer from the University of North Texas for a Ph.D. Chemistry for Fall 2022.
I am looking forward to all the exploits I will be doing, now that my dream of being a full-blown researcher is looking more realistic and I am not letting raising my young family deter me instead, I am going to leverage the support from family to do even greater than I have ever done before, God helping me.

Temidayo David Idowu is a First Class graduate from the Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). He graduated as the best student in the Department and the College of Physical Sciences. Before his first degree, he received the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE, Chemistry and Mathematics) from the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta (FCE ABK); he was also the best graduating student (First Class) in the Department. During his post-secondary education, Temidayo participated in various organizations and took up different leadership roles, such as President of the Mathematics Department (NAMSSN, FCE ABK), Welfare Director (SCSN, FUNAAB), Academic Committee Chairman (SCSN FUNAAB) and host of others. The academic excellence and welfare of the students were one of Temidayo's priorities. He organized and facilitated extra classes, tutorials, seminars and training for his colleagues and other students in the department.

Temidayo Idowu is an EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) Scholar. He was among the 34 successful applicants selected out of over 2,500 in 2021. He went ahead (under the guidance of EducationUSA) to secure a fully funded PhD (Chemistry) admission at the University of Delaware, where he is currently studying. His desire has always been to contribute towards increasing the search and synthesis of novel drugs via safe, fast and economical pathways, thus improving the health of humanity.

Okpe Uchenna Calistus believes that perseverance is a key trait to success. This quality involves being consistent and determined, even in the face of difficulties, delays, and setbacks. Coming from a family of eight, I understand the importance of perseverance in achieving one's goals. Growing up, his parents did their best but he had to work from a young age to help support the family. Despite the challenges, he turned his disadvantages into inspiration.

His academic journey has been both rewarding and inspiring, and it has encouraged him to strive for excellence and continue learning. As an undergraduate at the Federal University Otuoke, he developed a passion for biotechnology because of his desire to apply science to solve human problems. His undergraduate thesis, which focused on the isolation of bacteria-derived enzymes to clean up oil spills in the Niger Delta region of Bayelsa State, was sponsored by the Petroleum Technology Development Funds (PTDF) Local Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme. In addition to academic pursuits, he is also passionate about activities that improve the well-being of others. As the president of the Nigerian Association of Microbiology Students (NAMS) in 2016, I initiated several programs aimed at helping students develop new skills and improve their academic lives.

He graduated with First-Class Honors in Microbiology. His dedication to continuous learning and research paid off when he was accepted into the EducationUSA scholar’s program in 2021. This led to a fully funded Ph.D. program in Biomedical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York. This opportunity would not have been possible without my perseverance and preparation.

 

Valentine Odirachukwumma Nwanelo is from Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka LGA in Anambra state, Nigeria. In 2017, he graduated with First Class Honors in Biochemistry (CGPA of 4.52/5.0) ranking in the top 4% of his class, from the University of Nigeria Nsukka. After my National Youth Service program in 2019, I started my Masters's Degree program in Pharmacological Biochemistry at the University of Nigeria Nsukka. I got appointed as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Biochemistry, at the University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Vincent has developed a great academic profile in the areas of publications, research experiences, and teaching. He currently has  5 publications,  attended numerous conferences, and developed research experiences as well as providing voluntary services and leadership. He is a member of the Resistant Infections Research Group, UNN (RIRG UNN) and Ethnopharmacology, Food, and Drug Delivery Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, UNN (EFDDR).

His passion has always been to acquire global research and study experience, even though it looked unattainable due to financial constraints, however, I have always believed that with hard work, determination, and perseverance, I can accomplish any set-out goal. Following the advertisement of Education USA, Opportunity Funds Program (OFP), I enrolled and was chosen among the finalist. The quality of mentorship and counsel amassed from the Education USA advisors gave me first-hand information about American universities and possible ways of circumventing and acing whatever challenges come my way. The selfless services rendered by the OFP family are unparalleled.

Efficient and expedient optimization of the benefits of being an OFP scholar culminated in my gaining admission as well as a graduate teaching assistantship into the Chemistry program of two reputable universities with fully-funded Ph.D. admissions with scholarships worth over $65,000 per year each; Iowa State University and Wayne State University. After careful evaluation and assessment, I accepted the offer of admission from Wayne State University Detroit, Michigan where I currently pursuing my Ph.D. program.

His quote is Never given up on your dreams provided frantic and sufficient efforts are being made; sometimes we don’t know how close we are to success before we give up.

Veronica has always been a dreamer of studying overseas and her family's dream too. However, her family’s financial situation was always a limiting factor to this dream. In 2019, she discovered EducationUSA and learned about the numerous financial aid and scholarships available for international students to study in the U.S. In 2020-21, she applied and got admitted into the EducationUSA Scholars Program. After two unsuccessful application seasons, She finally got admitted with a full scholarship to attend Stetson University as a Bonner Leader student in Fall. 

Today that dream is now a reality of experiencing quality higher education in the United States.

My name is Victor Omokudu Olaiya, growing up my biggest challenge was not the fact that we did not have enough to go by daily but my family instability. My siblings and I have lived with several family and friends, including my dad's brothers, stepbrothers, grandparents, and kind family friends. These factors did not deter me; instead, they motivated me to want to be better. As the first child, it is critical that I lay down an example for my siblings to emulate, which will reflect their interests and strengths.

The EducationUSA scholars program has been my saving grace. One with a background like mine seldom gets the privilege of studying for an advanced degree. However, EducationUSA has given me a golden chance to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science, which is a dream come true. I am a first-generation university graduate with grit only a few people can match. Despite several challenges, I graduated with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.6/5.0 as the third-best student in a rigorous computer engineering course at the University of Benin.

My unique research experience, analytical mindset, top-notch computer programming skills, and second-to-none computer network dexterity, combined with my tenacity and academic excellence, enabled me to present a competitive profile for graduate school applications. My unique background gave me the leeway to join this elite community of intellectuals and admirable advisors. Without the EducationUSA community, my dream of a Doctorate in Computer Science would have died prematurely. Today I can gratefully be a Ph.D. student at William and Mary University in Virginia.  

Wisdom Ewomazino Ifode attended King’s College, Lagos. He received the NLNG scholarship that sponsored his stay throughout secondary education. In 2017, he emerged first in Lagos, National Maths Olympiad, junior mathematics category. He served as the Vice-President of the Literary and Debating Society, leading his school to win many debating competitions, such as the coveted National Unity College Debate Competition (ahead of 103 unity schools), KPMG, and various inter-school debates. He also served as the class captain for three years and the school’s chess club president. He graduated in 2020 with impressive WASSCE and UTME results.

Upon graduation, Wisdom decided to take a gap year to learn Python and C programming language, volunteer to teach kids to read in an orphanage and explore his various interests while applying to colleges in the US. He got accepted with scholarships ranging from partial to full at Minerva University and Seton Hall University.

Currently, Wisdom is at Minerva University, San Francisco, where he is studying Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence while traveling worldwide.

Wisdom hails from Benin City, Edo State, and lived there with my parents. He graduated from Word of Faith high school in 2019 as one of the top three students but could not proceed to college due to financial constraints. He was able to achieve many things during his time in high school.  Wisdom was the 3rd best in the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) national qualifying examination and the best school representative in the Lift Above Poverty (LAPO) competition. He was also the President of the Math and Science Quiz club and Sports Prefect in the school.

Although the future was uncertain, he remained convinced that he will study Computer Science beyond the walls of his home country, Nigeria. Wisdom seeing the admirable edifices Computer Scientists created yearned to be an active proponent of such creations. He began applying to colleges in the United States after he was selected for the opportunity funds Program of  EducationUSA.  After applying tirelessly to colleges for two years, assisted by my parents to tackle many financial obligations and numerous unsuccessful applications, I finally got a full scholarship (The Chancellor Scholarship) to study at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB).

Judging from my experience, I believe the pursuit of perfection in anything annihilates hindrances and plucks one from the depths of obscurity. The probability of success increases exponentially the more you try.” 

Aanuoluwa Adekoya is a budding research scientist with an interest in antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. She is a First-Class Graduate of Microbiology from the prestigious University of Lagos. During her studies, she received the Lagos State Scholarship Award of Excellence and the University of Lagos Scholars Endowment Award. 

Being a product of mentorship, during her stewardship as Vice President of the Microbiology Students’ Association, Aanuoluwa championed the Be-A-Shoulder project, a platform that exists to this day to bridge the gaps that had been identified amongst students in the department. Although she is no longer a student, communication platforms have allowed her to continue to contribute. Her contributions are not just academic. As a previous finalist, she convened the 2017 faculty British parliamentary-style debate championship and was the pioneer creative lead for the annual Science Ladies Empowerment Day (SLED), a feminine celebration and community-building that has mentored female undergraduates and graduates into defining their roles as contributors to the Nigerian society.

In 2020, Aanuoluwa was selected as an EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program Scholar. She worked closely with the Advisors, Mentors, and fellow scholars and secured a funded offer at Georgia State University, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in Biology.  Her major highlight of the program was the power of peer mentorship that was available. She is grateful for all the resources that were available to her during the program. 

Aanuoluwa aspires to become a renowned Professor of Microbiology and aims to contribute positively to the research on tuberculosis as we strive to combat drug-resistant tuberculosis in Africa. 

Adeoluwa is an Opportunity Funds Scholar at EducationUSA Lagos who began his undergraduate degree at Xavier University of Louisiana in fall 2021. Do you want to know more about him? Read on.

Adeoluwa Stephen Adedeji is the first child of his family.  His exceptional brilliance was discovered right from his primary school days at Hallmark Montessori School where he consistently came first every term. As a result, he was given double promotion twice and at the age of nine, he graduated to secondary school and enrolled at Monidams Lighthouse College. He continued his brilliance at Monidams, always emerging the first position in his class and winning various awards in the school and in interschool competitions. In 2019, he transferred to Winsome Model College where he became the President of JETS (Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists) Club and the Laboratory Prefect. As the president of the JETS club, he spearheaded a streetlight electrification project in his community. He also won various awards during his two years at Winsome Model College. He then graduated from Winsome Model College with the best WASSCE result and scored 303 in his UTME.

Throughout his secondary school, Adeoluwa always wanted to get involved. He participated in various extracurricular activities including football, fine art and music. He was the captain of his community football team, and he led the team to win a community football competition. He was also a player on his school football team that won a Football Gold medal. He also won chess and scrabble gold medals in his school's interhouse sports competition. Though football was his favourite hobby, he also loved drawing. He drew various fascinating pictures, some of which are now in the arts gallery of his alma mater.

After completing his secondary school education, Adeoluwa interned at Life Care Medical Diagnostics Centre as a Laboratory Assistant, knowing that this experience would prepare him for his intended Biomedical Engineering major. 

With a score of 1440 on the SAT, he applied to several schools and got multiple admissions with varying levels of funding. In fall 2021, he began going to Xavier University of Louisiana for Dual Degree in Biomedical Engineering on a fully funded scholarship. 

His story shows that to be successful, you must work hard, be the best version of yourself, and be ready to learn new things.