FUTA Alumna Saidat Rasaq-Balogun Wins Prestigious 2024 Distinguished Student Award at Southern Illinois University
Saidat Rasaq-Balogun, an alumna of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), has been awarded the 2024 Distinguished Student Award by Southern Illinois University (SIU), USA.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Saidat Rasaq-Balogun, a distinguished alumna of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), has been honored with the 2024 Distinguished Student Award from Southern Illinois University (SIU), USA. Rasaq-Balogun is one of eight recipients recognized for their exceptional contributions and impact on campus and in their communities across various fields.
RECOMMENDED: FUTA Student and Two Others Clinch First Place at 2024 Huawei ICT Competition in China
In a statement from SIU's President, Dan Mahony, he expressed pride in the university's accomplished students, stating, “SIU is proud to have so many wonderfully accomplished students who are not only making a major impact on campus but also in the greater communities.”
Rasaq-Balogun is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Environmental Resource and Policy at SIU. The citation for her award highlighted her significant contributions as a teacher, researcher, and volunteer. It noted, "Saidat is working towards her Ph.D. in environmental resource and policy at SIU and previously studied in Nigeria. She has made a tremendous mark at SIU as a teacher, researcher, and volunteer. Serving international students is a key part of Saidat’s life at SIU. On campus, she works with numerous organizations that are focused on helping international and African students. She is currently the VP of the SIU International Student Council. Saidat’s service even extends to her home, where she often provides temporary housing to international students as they arrive or if they face challenges. She makes inclusivity a top priority as she takes the initiative to ensure that international students can find communities where they belong at SIU."
The award, administered by the Students Advisory Committee for the SIU System (SACSS) under the Southern Illinois University System Board of Trustees, recognized one undergraduate and one graduate student across faculties. Rasaq-Balogun, who graduated with a first-class degree in Meteorological and Climate Science from FUTA, was selected as one of the exemplary recipients.
Dr. Ed Hightower, Vice Chair of the SIU Board of Trustees, praised the awardees, stating, “On behalf of the SIU Board of Trustees, I want to congratulate and thank these students for their outstanding achievements and for being such wonderful examples of what SIU stands for. We know these students will be great assets to the professional workforce, and SIU is proud to provide educational opportunities to help them develop and grow."
Professor Adenike Oladiji, Vice Chancellor of FUTA, congratulated Rasaq-Balogun, acknowledging her as a worthy ambassador of the university. “On behalf of our great University, I congratulate Saidat Rasaq-Balogun on her award. She has earned her badge as a worthy ambassador of FUTA. We wish her more wins and greater strides and accomplishments in her current and future endeavors,” Professor Oladiji stated.
READ ALSO: FUTA Hosts Lecture on AI’s Role in Enhancing Higher Education
This prestigious award highlights the global impact and excellence of FUTA alumni, reinforcing the university's reputation for producing outstanding graduates who excel on both national and international stages.
