FUTA Alumnus Samuel Ogunsola Earns PhD in Physiology and Pathophysiology in Canada

An alumnus of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Samuel Olarewaju Ogunsola, has earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Physiology and Pathophysiology from the University of Manitoba, Canada.

Ogunsola, a Vanier Research Scholar and Fellow, successfully defended his doctoral thesis, which focused on how genetic variants influence human traits and diseases.

Reflecting on his academic journey, Dr. Ogunsola said he had not initially planned to pursue a doctoral degree after leaving Nigeria, as his original intention was to complete a master’s degree and move on.

“I never planned to pursue a PhD when I left Nigeria. My initial goal was simply to complete a master’s degree and move on. However, God led me on a different path, giving me the grace, strength and motivation to pursue a PhD and explore how genetic variants affect human traits and diseases,” he said.

During his doctoral programme, Ogunsola established a strong record of academic achievement, publishing more than 10 research papers in leading scientific journals, including Science and Genome Biology.

He also presented his research at international conferences, including the RNA Society Conference, and received several scholarships during his PhD programme.

His academic work, leadership and community service earned him several prestigious recognitions, including the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the New England Biolabs Passion in Science Award and the Premier of Manitoba Volunteer Service Award, among others.

Beyond his research, Dr. Ogunsola has contributed to society through his involvement with several organisations and initiatives, including Shaping African Women in STEM, the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba and Impact Leaders Connect.

Describing his doctoral journey as challenging, rewarding and transformative, Ogunsola expressed gratitude to God and acknowledged the support he received from his wife, Olajumoke Olarewaju; his doctoral adviser, Dr. Jiuyong Xie; his spiritual father, David Opeyemi; his committee members, mentors, colleagues, family and friends.

“I am deeply grateful to God for His grace, favour, mercy and faithfulness throughout this journey—and especially for the gift of people,” he said.

Samuel Olarewaju Ogunsola is a first-class graduate of Biochemistry from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.

He has a strong interest in public health, volunteering and research. He is the founder of the Food and Genes Initiative, a non-governmental organisation focused on combating non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.

He is also the Campaign Director of 365 Days, an initiative focused on combating drug abuse in Nigeria.

His research interests include:

• Pharmaceutical Biochemistry

• Public Health

• Toxicology

• Bioinformatics

• Molecular Biology