By Mustafa Abubakar

Two alumni of the University of Ilorin, Mr Oke Oluwafemi Lawrence of the Department of Food Engineering and Onigbinde Abdulwasiu of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, have been awarded the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship for the 2025 cohort in recognition of their academic feats.

The Acting Head of the Department of Food Engineering,  Dr Sanusi Mayowa Saheed,  disclosed this last Thursday (August 28, 2025) while speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin in his office.

Dr Sanusi said that the award was won following a highly competitive selection process in which over 13,500 applicants from across the world competed.

He said, “In the end, only 38 scholars were chosen globally, with the UNILORIN duo proudly making the list”.

According to Dr Sanusi, the scholarship has enabled the two scholars to secure admission and fully resume their studies at McGill University, Canada, a world-renowned institution ranked among the best globally.

He disclosed that they are currently pursuing their Master programme in Bioresource Engineering (Integrated Food and Bioprocessing), which focuses on sustainable food systems and innovative agricultural solutions.

Dr Sanusi described the recognition as a reflection of the University of Ilorin tradition of producing graduates of international relevance.

He congratulated the awardees, urging them to remain exemplary ambassadors of the University of Ilorin.

The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof Joseph Olaoye, congratulated the awardees, noting that their success not only highlights their personal brilliance but also reinforces UNILORIN’s standing as the “Better by Far” University committed to nurturing talents for global excellence.

In their separate reactions, Oke and Onigbinde expressed gratitude to their families, lecturers, and the Mastercard Foundation team for the support that brought them this far.

They pledged to dedicate their academic journey to advancing food security, agricultural innovation, and sustainable impact in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.