From 2014 to 2016, the Visiola Foundation offered full, merit-based academic scholarships to girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue STEM degrees at our partner institutions: Ashesi University (Ghana), Bayero University Kano (Nigeria), and Lead City University (Nigeria). Click on each photo below to read the scholar’s story.
Meet Omolara – Biochemist
BSc in Biochemistry (2017) CGPA: 4.90/5.0
“I dream of developing new drugs and treatments to diseases that devastate people in my community.”
My father is an incapacitated welder and my mother is a cleaner. I am one of four children and was supposed to learn sewing as a trade to take care of my family. Instead, the Visiola Foundation’s scholarship gave me the opportunity of a lifetime and today I am a graduate! I was offered an internship to work at Millipore Sigma (an American biotechnology company) and have co-authored a research article; which was published by the Alexandria Journal of Medicine in 2018. I want to be a recognized researcher. I got a job in February 2019 and went to work for Healthline Pharmaceuticals. In May 2019 I was hired by May and Baker, the first pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Nigeria and I am delighted to work for them. Thank you for investing in me!
Meet Rachael – Biochemist
BSc in Biochemistry (2018) CGPA: 4.82/5.0
“I want to focus on cancer research to find a cure.”
My father is a carpenter and my mother is a domestic worker. My sister and I are the first generation in the whole family to ever attend university. My sister really struggled and had to cook, clean, and do odd jobs to pay her fees. This scholarship, the mentoring, and exposure have transformed me into a vibrant woman with a bright future. The Foundation took me to Dakar, Senegal to attend the Next Einstein Forum in March 2016. It was actually my first time on an aeroplane! I met a lot of great scientists that are doing well in STEM and I told myself that one day I will stand in front of many people and showcase my work in my chosen field. I have now received admission to pursue an MSc in Bioinformatics at the University of Manchester and I am working to secure the funds for this next phase. In the meantime I am doing my NYSC in the research lab at IITA in Ibadan. I am so grateful for this opportunity. Thank you!
Meet Ayomide – Biochemist
BSc in Biochemistry (2019) CGPA: 4.87/5.0
“I want to end the use of fake drugs. They kill people.”
My father abandoned my mother and I when I was very young. She is a teacher and has tried her best to provide for us. I really want to make her proud and I want her to know that I can become a success in life despite all our struggles. It has not been easy but the scholarship, opportunities, and confidence-building mentorship provided by the Visiola Foundation have helped me perform well academically, and I look forward to a successful career. I have become a leader among my peers and a mentor to younger girls. Thank you so much for changing my life!
Meet Darasimi – Microbiologist
BSc in Microbiology (2019) CGPA: 4.80/5.0
“I would like to set up a research laboratory to research diseases and improve healthcare in my community.”
I am an introvert and I enjoy reading. My mother is a widow and she works as a caterer to take care of me and my 3 siblings. It has not been easy for her and I have tried to help her as much as I can. I never expected to attend Lead City University but the Visiola Foundation made it possible. In addition to receiving this education, they have mentored me, built my confidence, and have helped me to come out of my shell. I have led my course mates in studying and passing exams and I regularly teach secondary school students through my community project. Thank you.
Meet Divine – Computer Forensics Analyst
BSc in Computer Science and Electronics (2020)
CGPA: 4.3/5.0
“I am very inquisitive. I want to learn and make my community better.”
My father died in 2018 after a long battle with lung cancer. My mum is a trader and she has been the breadwinner of the family since my father’s illness to support me and my 3 siblings. Having a great love for cyber security, I was ecstatic to receive funding for my undergraduate program from the Visiola Foundation. I plan to build a career as a cyber forensics expert; retrieving digital evidence and helping to solve crimes. I am very inquisitive and want to use my knowledge and technology background to make my community a better place. Thank you!
Meet Edna – Electrical Engineer
BSc in Electrical Engineering (2020)
CGPA: 3.51/4.0
“I would love to work with machines and create machines that will make work easier and faster.”
I have always dreamed of attending Ashesi University but my family did not have the financial means to support me. My father was laid off at work and my mother is unemployed. However, thanks to the Visiola Foundation, this dream has come true! They have assigned me mentors – young African women who are working in science, technology, and engineering, and who faced similar struggles as I did yet they overcome through hard work and perseverance. I want you to know that I will also pay back to others what you have done for me and I will make you proud always. Thank you.
Meet Mary – Software Developer
BSc in Computer Science and Electronics (2020)
CGPA: 4.72/5.0
“I am passionate about teaching youth technology to improve their lives.”
I am from a family of 7. My father is a carpenter and my mother died when I was 5 years old. When I was 10, our house was demolished by the State Government. This was the beginning of hardship in my family. My father distributed my siblings and I among his relatives to take care of us. I took the JAMB exam twice and passed but there was no money to fund my admission. However, the Visiola Foundation came to my rescue and now I am an aspiring computer programmer and software developer. I enjoy problem solving and teaching young girls computer programming. Thank you for the opportunity.