Two alumni of the University of Ilorin have been selected among just 38 students worldwide to receive the 2025 Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, a highly competitive award that drew more than 13,500 applicants.
The recipients, Oke Oluwafemi Lawrence and Onigbinde Abdulwasiu, both graduates of engineering disciplines, will pursue postgraduate studies in Bioresource Engineering at McGill University in Canada. Their research is expected to focus on food processing, agricultural innovation and sustainable development, issues at the heart of Nigeria’s struggle with food security.
The recognition has been hailed by staff at the university as a reflection of UNILORIN’s growing international profile. “This shows that our graduates are competing and excelling at the highest global levels,” said Dr Sanusi Mayowa Saheed, Acting Head of Food Engineering.
Professor Joseph Olaoye, Dean of Engineering, added that the achievement “reinforces UNILORIN’s tradition of nurturing talent for global excellence.”
The Mastercard Foundation programme, regarded as one of the most prestigious in the world, provides full financial support and mentorship to academically gifted students with leadership potential.
For Lawrence and Abdulwasiu, the award represents not only personal triumph but also a chance to contribute research that could shape Nigeria’s food systems.
