Muhammad Adeyemi, a 400-level student in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), received the UNESCO academic prize on Friday under the auspices of the UNESCO-ICB (International Center for Biotechnology).
The award is a cooperative partnership between the Nigerian Ministry of Education and UNESCO, and it is the most prestigious undergraduate academic award in Nigeria for any undergraduate category. Muhammad was the first and only Danfodite among 90 recipients from institutions across the country in the inaugural session.
Muhammad stated in an interview with Muslim Voice that, “It’s a feeling of greatness and fulfillment of purpose. It’s not about the award in particular that matters, it’s about the quality of one’s work, commitment and dedication to excellence that is rewarding to me. So I am excited I am writing this history from the local level from my university to the global stage. The PTDF undergraduate LSS (Local Scholarship Scheme) award is the most prestigious award over the years in Nigeria, however, the UNESCO-ICB academic award has come to displace the PTDF which is great for our educational system in Nigeria. This will make students become more challenging.
“I have access to different sources of information like this and always give my best shot to submit such an application. If I may recall vividly, it should be the scholarship category section of (myschool. ng). But even looking at the application, I guess I saw it on the last day of receiving the application, but I made sure I submitted all that was needed. The award is strictly for final year undergraduate students who are working on the three thematic areas of the centre i.e. UNESCO International Center for Biotechnology (ICB) which are; Food and Nutrition Security, Tropical Diseases and Bioresources Conservation. Since the overall of what would be accessed is the applicant’s work (project) in the final year, I made a case for myself and speak about my experience while writing the application cover letter and statement of purpose. The experience I garnered at the Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training (CAMRET, UDUS) was very helpful and motivating enough. And I will like to use this medium to pray for the safe return of the CAMRET’s Director – Dr. Mustapha Umar Imam who was involved in the ugly Kaduna-Abuja rail incident recently. He was instrumental in my stay at the Centre for my Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).”
“On a final ground, I will like to appeal to the Muslim community, students in Nigeria to be more committed to whatever we do. The number of Muslim awardees was quite low and this is/was a selection that was based on merit-driven. I wish everyone trying out there the best in the engagement,” he added.
Awardees are from the three subject areas of the centers, Food and Nutrition Security, Tropical Diseases, and Bioresources Conservation, were recognized at the Nigerian National Merit Award Secretariat (Merit House) in Maitama, Abuja.
The grant covers tuition, housing, books, and living expenses, according to the Centre’s Executive Director and CEO, Distinguished Professor Umezuruike Linus Opara. He emphasized how fierce the competition was and praised the honorees for their academic achievements.
