Islamiyat Ojelade, an HND graduate of Science Laboratory Technology from the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria, has gotten a fully-funded PhD offer at seven top US universities.
The 2017/18 overall best-graduating student of the institution, Islamiyat Ojelade, wrote on her LinkedIn page:
“HND TO FULLY-FUNDED PhD OFFERS IN 7 TOP UNIVERSITIES IN THE US—A BIG WIN FOR THE 2017/18 FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC ILARO OVERALL BEST GRADUATING STUDENT.
“It can only be God!
I am so elated to inform you all that I will be starting my PhD program in Chemistry at the Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA, this fall, having received full scholarships from 7 universities in the United States of America with my Higher National Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry Major) from the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria, where I emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student (17/18 set).
“Here are the universities I got into:
*Florida State University
*University of Massachusetts Amherst
*University of Kansas
*University of Kentucky
*University of North Texas
*Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
*Marquette University
“Considering the dichotomy between HND and BSc in Nigeria, I was scared and confused about what to do next 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. 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 at 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 hard work, resilience, prayers, and the right people beside me, and for the record, I am receiving all your well wishes and congratulations with my full heart. LOL.
“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 on the verge of giving up on his or her dreams. Your dreams are valid; keep pushing, and then see yourself breaking ground wherever you are!
“Cheers to greater milestones.”