Nigerian Lady Breaks 100-Year Record at Indian University with Master’s Degree in Chemistry

Stella Chinelo Emelife, a Nigerian chemist, is making waves on the global stage with her outstanding academic and research achievements. Her journey, marked by brilliance and determination, began at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto, Nigeria, where she earned her first-class degree in Applied Chemistry with an impressive CGPA of 4.86. This early success set the stage for even greater feats, as she soon took on international challenges and achieved unprecedented heights.

In 2018, while pursuing her master’s degree in Chemistry at Mysore University, India, Stella made history. She not only earned a distinction with a remarkable 92.6% grade, but she also shattered a 100-year academic record by winning 20 gold medals and five cash prizes at the university’s 99th convocation. Stella became the first international student to achieve this level of success, emerging as the best-graduating student—a momentous achievement in the institution’s century-long history.

Her academic journey was supported by a fully funded scholarship from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and scientific inquiry. Her achievements did not go unnoticed in her home country either. Professor Sunday Olawale Okeniyi, President of the National Council of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), hailed Stella as a great asset to Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of supporting her aspirations and research goals.

Stella’s drive for knowledge has led her to the United States, where she is now pursuing her PhD in Chemistry at the University of North Texas. There, her research focuses on the thin film deposition of transition metal carbides and oxides, with applications in the energy industry and semiconductor technology. Her expertise spans advanced analytical techniques such as XPS, AES, and SEM, as well as theoretical simulations using DFT to predict the behavior of materials at the atomic level.

In recognition of her academic prowess, Stella was awarded the prestigious Ed and Julia Hodges Memorial Scholarship by the University of North Texas. This award honors her research accomplishments and highlights her potential for groundbreaking contributions in Chemistry. Despite the demands of academia, Stella balances her professional life with her personal role as a mother of three young children, demonstrating incredible resilience and focus.

Beyond her research, Stella is passionate about education and empowering the next generation of scholars. She previously served as a lecturer at Michael and Cecilia Ibru University in Nigeria, where she inspired young minds with her knowledge and experience. Through her YouTube channel, she shares information on study abroad opportunities, scholarships, and her personal experiences, hoping to motivate others to follow their dreams. Stella is also a board member of the Edwin Mmuomenam Care Foundation, an organization that supports the educational needs of students from underprivileged backgrounds in Nigeria.

Stella’s ultimate goal is to establish a non-profit organization to encourage young Nigerians to value education and dispel the “school is a scam” mentality prevalent in some parts of the country. Her dedication to advancing science, coupled with her advocacy for education, positions her as an inspirational figure for young people across Africa and beyond.

As she continues her PhD studies and her research in Chemistry, Stella Chinelo Emelife remains committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and giving back to her community. Her story is one of perseverance, passion, and excellence—an example of how dedication to one’s craft can lead to extraordinary success on the global stage.

At just 18 years old, Blossom Chikezie, a brilliant Nigerian lady, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by graduating with a first-class degree in Software Engineering. With an impressive 4.84 GPA out of a possible 5.00 points, Blossom emerged as the best-graduating student from the Software Engineering department at the School of Computing Sciences, Babcock University, Nigeria.

Blossom’s remarkable achievement did not come without its challenges. Reflecting on her success, she took to Twitter to express her gratitude and pride: “A week ago, God did a thing! Best graduating student, Software Engineering department (4.84/5). BSc Software Engineering (First Class Honors) against all odds and uncertainties, bagged these at 18! So happy, so proud.”

While still a student, Blossom won a prestigious Tech Scholarship from Zuri Team, a leading IT consulting firm in Nigeria. The scholarship played a crucial role in enhancing her knowledge and skills in software engineering, allowing her to excel academically and professionally.

Currently, Blossom is working as an Associate Software Engineer at Prune Edge, a tech firm based in Lagos, Nigeria. Her journey in the tech industry began early, and she has accumulated over three years of professional experience, specializing in both frontend and backend development. Read more about Blossom Chikezie here.

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