A brilliant Nigerian lady, Islamiyat Ojelade, who graduated from the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry Major) has received fully-funded scholarships from top 7 universities in the United States.

It is not surprising that prestigious universities in the US are offering Ojelade admissions. The intelligent lady emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student of her set (2017/18) in Federal Polytechnic Ilaro.

Florida State University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Kansas, University of Kentucky, University of North Texas, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Marquette University are the seven universities that offered Ojelade fully-funded PhD scholarships.

She has however accepted the offer from the Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA where she will commence her Ph.D. program in Chemistry this fall.

Sharing the news of her admission offers on her LinkedIn page, she said that she is elated but also narrated how scared and confused she was after her undergraduate studies.

She wrote: “Considering the dichotomy between HND and BSc in Nigeria, I was scared and confused on what next to do after my undergraduate studies.

“I summoned the courage to discuss my ‘big dream’ with some people including friends, fathers, mothers, and lecturers. As you would expect, very few among them keyed into this and supported me morally and financially.”

Continuing, Ojelade recounted how a few persons who wondered how can a HND holder go for PhD? doubted the possibility of her big dream. She also expressed gratitude to some other persons who supported her throughout her journey.

“Others doubted if I would be able to get a PhD with the HND. Blessed be the day I saw Dr. Babajide Ojo of Bestman Academy tweet, which led to a free mentorship program with him. Thank you for the opportunity, Sir. I sincerely appreciate Joshua Samuel Samuel, Adedayo “Dayo” Ogunware, Afolabi Uthmon Olayiwola , Ogundare Adebola , and Reni Odebiyi for their support in the beginning of this journey.

“People of God, kindly appreciate God on my behalf, the dream I have nursed over the years is becoming a reality with hardwork, resilience, prayers, and the right people beside me and for the records, I am receiving all your well-wishes/congratulations with my full chest. LOL.”

HND to PhD Scholarship Offers in USA

Ojelade reveals how she feels

“Yes! I am excited about this next phase of my life believing and trusting that God will continue to take absolute control of my journey to greatness. Aameen.

“I hope this inspires someone who is at the verge of giving up on his/her dreams. Your dreams are valid, keep pushing, then see yourself breaking grounds wherever you are!

“Cheers to greater milestones. 🥂”