Mrs. Blessing Olagunju, a faculty member and PhD student in the Department of Physical Sciences (Industrial Chemistry) at Landmark University, has been honoured with the prestigious L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Young Talents – Sub-Saharan Africa Award (2024 edition). She joins 29 other outstanding women scientists from across the region in receiving a research grant aimed at advancing women’s contributions to scientific innovation.

The highly competitive award, which received over 800 applications from across the continent, supports young female researchers by providing funding and professional development opportunities.  Mrs. Olagunju learned about the opportunity through a bulk email from the Landmark University Centre for Research, Innovation, and Discoveries (LUCRID), diligently applied, and emerged as one of 25 PhD students selected for the grant. Additionally, five postdoctoral researchers were recognized, bringing the total number of awardees to 30.

The award ceremony, held on December 10, 2024, was preceded by an intensive five-day leadership training program from December 5. This training focused on leadership development, the role of women in science, and communication skills, equipping recipients with essential tools to enhance their careers.

Beyond the financial support for her research, Mrs. Olagunju emphasized the networking and collaboration opportunities the award has provided. “We interacted throughout the training, and I believe this opens doors for future collaborations because we now have each other’s contacts,” she shared.

The rigorous selection process saw 800 applicants narrowed down to 150, and finally, to the 30 awardees, representing approximately 15 countries. Nigeria had a strong presence among the winners, with five PhD students and one postdoctoral researcher securing the award. This achievement underscores the remarkable contributions of Nigerian women in scientific research and reinforces the nation’s growing impact in the global scientific community.