By Emeka Oluka

Afolabi Ayomide Emmanuel, a 2019 graduate of the Department of Plant Physiology and Crop Production (PPCP), College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has won the highly prestigious MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme Award to study at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

The fully-funded scholarship would support Ayomide in pursuing a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Biological Sciences (Crop Science Pathway) from October 2024 to August 2025. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme was renowned for empowering students from under-represented African communities by providing them access to world-class academic training with a focus on transformative leadership and sustainable development.

Ayomide’s achievement highlighted his exceptional academic excellence, dedication to promoting sustainable futures for Africa, and strong leadership potential on a global scale. His undergraduate research at FUNAAB, titled “Effects of Integrated Nutrient Management on Vegetative Parameters of Lowland Rice Varieties in a Derived Savannah Agro-Ecology of Nigeria,” supervised by Prof. Akeem Oyekanmi, played a pivotal role in shaping his academic journey and success.

In response to the award, Ayomide expressed profound gratitude to God, his family, and mentors, especially Prof. Oyekanmi, for their unwavering support. He also reaffirmed his commitment to advancing climate-resilient agricultural practices and contributing to sustainable development across Africa and beyond.