Six exceptional Nigerian students have made the prestigious top 50 shortlist for the 2024 Chegg.org Global Student Prize, an annual $100,000 award recognizing outstanding student achievements. Selected from over 11,000 nominations and applications from 176 countries, these students have demonstrated remarkable contributions to education, their communities, and global society.
The shortlisted students include Okechukwu Clinton Ifeanyi, an Optometry student at the University of Benin, Edo; Bello Peace Olalekan, a graduating Chemical Engineering student at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State; Joel Mordi, an activist and University of York student; Jennifer Uchechukwu Obiorah, a student mentor and founder of TeamUpcyclers; Roseline Adewuyi, a gender equality advocate and PhD candidate at Purdue University; and Karimot Odebode, an education advocate from Ibadan pursuing a master’s degree at Harvard University.
In a congratulatory message, Heather Hatlo Porter, Chegg’s Chief Communications Officer, praised the finalists for their drive and passion in achieving excellence in their various fields.
She said “Huge congratulations to Okechukwu Clinton Ifeanyi, Bello Peace Olalekan, Joel Mordi, Jennifer Uchechukwu Obiorah, Roseline Adewuyi, and Karimot Odebode. Chegg not only celebrates your achievements but also the endless possibilities that exist when young minds are driven by a passion for change.”
Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation, emphasized the importance of education: “These stories are a testament to the crucial role that education plays in building a better world for us all.”
Profiles of the Nigerian Shortlisted Students:
– Okechukwu Clinton Ifeanyi has excelled academically despite hardships and has become a health advocate. He has led the Retina Initiative’s social media, organized free visual screenings, and founded The I-CARE Campaign for cataract surgeries. His work with the Millennium Fellowship and Clinton Global Initiative reflects his commitment to education, healthcare, and global citizenship.
– Bello Peace Olalekan chose Chemical Engineering to address societal challenges and achieved a CGPA of 4.82/5.00 at Obafemi Awolowo University. He founded the startup Chemotronix, which developed an innovative carbon market solution recognized globally. His contributions to sustainability and clean energy showcase his dedication to environmental solutions and academic excellence.
– Joel Mordi, a Princess Diana Legacy Award recipient, founded the Mordi Ibe Foundation (MIF), Nigeria’s largest non-profit for empowerment, inclusion, equity, and diversity. Despite facing dyslexia and PTSD, Joel has won scholarships at the University of East London and Oxford University. His advocacy spans LGBTQ+ rights, refugee education, and youth engagement.
– Jennifer Uchechukwu Obiorah founded TeamUpcyclers to empower marginalized communities through waste-to-wealth initiatives. She has trained 5,000 students, reintegrated out-of-school children, and supported IDP communities. Jennifer’s efforts in education, health, and climate issues have earned her international recognition and scholarships.
– Roseline Adewuyi, a gender equality advocate, founded the Roseline Initiative, which empowers girls through education. She has been recognized by the UN and various organizations for her mentorship programs. Roseline’s work has impacted over 6,000 girls in Nigeria, and she aspires to collaborate with global organizations for social change.
– Karimot Odebode has impacted over 1,546 students through the Black Girl’s Dream Initiative. Representing 500,000 peers, she delivered the Youth Declaration for Transforming Education at the UN. Karimot’s accolades include semifinalist in Harvard’s President Innovation Challenge and contributions to a G7 education report.
The Global Student Prize, launched in 2021, is a sister award to the $1 million Global Teacher Prize. It aims to shine a light on the efforts of extraordinary students reshaping our world for the better. The top 10 finalists are expected to be announced in September, with the winner chosen later in the year.
