The University of Lagos (UNILAG)’s 2023/2024 Overall Best Graduating Student, Samuel Badekale, has bagged the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Bio-membranes scholarship.
Badekale, who graduated with a perfect 5.00 CGPA in Cell Biology and Genetics, emerged as the only Nigerian and West African recipient of the highly competitive European Union-funded award.
The scholarship will enable him to pursue advanced studies across three top European institutions over the next two years — Université Côte d’Azur in France, University of Genoa in Italy, and University of Osnabrück in Germany.
His programme will focus on areas such as Membrane Biology, Neuroscience, and Experimental Medicine.
Sharing the news on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Samuel described the scholarship as a dream come true:
“2025 has been amazing in every way! Pleased to announce the next step in my journey: selected as the only Nigerian and West African for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Biomembranes, studying across three world-class universities in France, Italy and Germany.”
Reflecting on his humble beginnings in Mushin, Lagos, he added, “As I look back, I see a young boy from Mushin, with a big dream: to explore the world and make a positive impact. And today, by God’s faithfulness, that dream is gradually becoming a reality.”
He also used the opportunity to encourage students to pursue excellence through education.
“To my younger self and every student out there: Trust God. Hold your education tightly. Come out with the best grades possible, strive for excellence, because education is still one of the most powerful keys to move from your local community to the global stage. Education isn’t a scam. It’s a weapon. Use it.”