The University of Lagos graduate, Samuel Badekale, who achieved a perfect CGPA of 5.00 from the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, has spoken to MyNigeria about the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Bio-membranes scholarship he just received.

Badekale was the only Nigerian and West African chosen for the scholarship, which will see him studying across three world-class universities in France, Italy and Germany.

He said the programme he applied for had about 800 applicants from all over the world, but 17 people, including himself, were made the final list after rigorous screening.

"My number one message to others inspired by this feat is that it doesn't matter where you are coming from. It's about whether you are willing to put in the due diligence to achieve whatever it is you want to achieve," he said.

"That is one thing the Bible clearly explained. It says God can bring a man from a dunghill and set him among princes. Regardless of your background, always strive for excellence in everything you do and take hold of your education because education is a major weapon that will take you from your local community and set you among the global princes. In my case, I'm from Mushin and I'm going to study across three Western institutions."

With many Nigerian youths fleeing the country and never returning, a trend known as Japa, Badekale, who has the opportunity to study abroad, says he doesn't see himself staying abroad for long.

"One thing I always tell people is that this world is our own country. One thing of importance is that whatever knowledge we all gain should be of global importance. We should always strive to help humanity and have the mindset of coming back to our country to help it to the point it gets global recognition.

"I don't see myself staying abroad for long, because one of the considerations for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship is that you come back to your home country to improve it. So, I don't see myself staying there for long, but I see myself gaining knowledge, especially in the areas of membrane biology, and coming back to help the country," he said.


ASA