Daud Olatunji
In a landmark achievement, 57 students, including a distinguished Nigerian scholar, Ajisafe Victor Ayobami, were honoured with gold medals for their academic excellence during the 2024 convocation ceremony at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that Ajisafe Victor Ayobami, who pursued his PhD in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering at the prestigious institute, emerged as a standout by developing innovative therapeutic biomaterials derived from snail mucus for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
It was further gathered that Ajissafe groundbreaking research also included the fabrication of 3D scaffolds aimed at cartilage tissue engineering.
Recognizing his exceptional dedication and research prowess, Ajisafe was awarded the Best Thesis Award, receiving the Prof. K. P. Abraham Medal, marking a historic first for an international student at the institute.
Ajisafe’s remarkable achievement stresses the potential of leveraging indigenous resources to address both local and global challenges.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that his success story is expected to inspire more researchers to explore the rich biological resources available in Nigeria and across Africa, fostering the development of innovative, homegrown solutions to pressing health issues.
During his acceptance speech, Ajisafe called on the Nigerian government to increase funding for translational research to tackle various health challenges not only within the continent but also globally.
His appeal highlights the urgent need for substantial investment in scientific research and development to harness the full potential of African scientists and innovators.
The 2024 convocation at IISc saw a total of 1,136 students graduating across a wide array of disciplines.
Among them was Piyush Sharma from Panipat, Haryana, who is currently a PhD scholar at Purdue University in the United States.
Sharma fondly recounted his “tremendous journey” at IISc as an MTech student, reflecting the institute’s profound impact on its alumni.
Established as a premier research and education center, IISc is renowned for its contributions to science and engineering. Located in Bangalore, Karnataka, the institute comprises five divisions, 34 departments, and over 450 faculty members.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the institution is recognized as one of the top public universities in India, ranked 211 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
Nigeria’s growing presence in Indian academic institutions is notable, with the country ranking fifth among the biggest sources of international students, following Nepal, people of Indian birth residing outside India, Afghanistan, and Malaysia.
According to a report by the Association of Indian Universities, the significant number of Nigerian students in India reflects the strengthening educational ties between the two nations.
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