FUNAAB Graduate Afolabi Ayomide Emmanuel Awarded Prestigious MasterCard Foundation Scholarship to Study at Cambridge

Afolabi Ayomide Emmanuel, a 2019 graduate of the Department of Plant Physiology and Crop Production (PPCP) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has been awarded the highly coveted MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme Award to pursue his studies at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

The fully-funded scholarship will enable Ayomide to undertake a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Biological Sciences, focusing on the Crop Science pathway, from October 2024 to August 2025. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme is known for empowering talented students from underrepresented African communities, providing them with world-class academic opportunities, leadership development, and a focus on sustainable growth.

Ayomide’s academic achievements, passion for promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Africa, and leadership potential contributed to his selection for the prestigious award. His undergraduate research at FUNAAB, supervised by Prof. Akeem Oyekanmi, explored the "Effects of Integrated Nutrient Management on Vegetative Parameters of Lowland Rice Varieties in a Derived Savannah Agro-Ecology of Nigeria," which significantly shaped his academic journey.

In his response to the award, Ayomide expressed heartfelt gratitude to God, his family, and his mentors, particularly Prof. Oyekanmi. He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting climate-resilient agriculture and advancing sustainable development across Africa.

This achievement highlights the exceptional academic standards at FUNAAB and Ayomide’s dedication to addressing critical challenges facing African agriculture on a global stage.