UNILORIN alumnus, Usman, secures full scholarship at Russian Journalism Contest
By Mustafa Abubakar
A 2023/2024 graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Ilorin, Mr Usman Adeyinka Adebayo, has secured a full scholarship to study at a Russian university following his outstanding presentation at the New Day Education International Journalistic Competition in Russia, where his final project also attracted over 1.1 million views.
Mr Adebayo’s final project emerged among the 11 finalists worldwide, following his outstanding performance in a highly competitive preliminary round that attracted over 500 participants from across the globe.
The achievement marks Adebayo’s second international recognition in Russia, following his representation of Nigeria at the World Youth Festival in 2024, further establishing him as a globally competitive young journalist.
In a chat with UNILORIN Bulletin, Mr Adebayo said participants in a series of Master classes aimed at enhancing their journalistic, storytelling, and media production skills.
He said, “Each finalist was required to submit media projects across four thematic areas. I focused on how Nigerian and Russian education systems can collaborate to nurture scholars capable of making significant contributions to global development and knowledge exchange.”
His project was widely lauded for its creativity and insight.
“Following the competition’s conclusion on November 21, 2025, my final video recorded 1.1 million views, placing me among the most widely viewed and impactful participants and positioning me strongly for the scholarship,” he added.
A major highlight of the competition was a tour of four major Russian cities, during which participants visited one leading university in each location. The institutions included RUDN University in Moscow, Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, Kazan Federal University in Kazan, and Herzen University in St. Petersburg.
According to Mr Adebayo, the tour provided opportunities for finalists to interact with academics, students, and researchers.
