FUNAAB Alumnus Awarded Prestigious MasterCard Foundation Scholarship for Cambridge Studies

Afolabi Ayomide Emmanuel, a distinguished 2019 graduate from the Department of Plant Physiology and Crop Production (PPCP) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has been honored with the highly coveted MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme Award. This prestigious scholarship will enable him to pursue a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Biological Sciences (Crop Science Pathway) at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, from October 2024 to August 2025.

The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme is renowned for empowering students from under-represented African communities by offering world-class academic training and emphasizing transformative leadership and sustainable development. This fully-funded scholarship underscores Ayomide's exceptional academic performance and his commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

During his undergraduate studies at FUNAAB, Ayomide's research, titled "Effects of Integrated Nutrient Management on Vegetative Parameters of Lowland Rice Varieties in a Derived Savannah Agro-Ecology of Nigeria," was supervised by Prof. Akeem Oyekanmi. This research was instrumental in his academic journey and has significantly contributed to his selection for this prestigious award.

In a statement following the announcement, Ayomide expressed deep gratitude to God, his family, and mentors, particularly Prof. Oyekanmi, for their steadfast support. He emphasized his dedication to advancing climate-resilient agricultural practices and contributing to sustainable development in Africa and globally.