Africa has a long and proud tradition of producing some of the world’s brightest and most accomplished students. Over the past few years, Africa has continued to produce exceptional students who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields. These students have been recognized for their outstanding academic achievements, innovative research, and their impact on society. In this article, we will highlight some of the recently distinguished students from Africa. Note, this list is in no particular order.
Faith Odunsi — Nigeria
Faith Odunsi from Nigeria In 2021, won the Global Open Mathematics Tournament, becoming the first African student to achieve this feat. She was also awarded a full scholarship to study at the Ivy League institution, Columbia University in New York. Faith, who was just 15 years old at that time, achieved an A in all nine of her subjects in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), including the maximum possible score in mathematics and English. Faith first won the hearts of many in 2018 when she set a record in the Cowbellpedia Mathematics Competition by answering 19 questions in 60 seconds.
Zainab Mahboob – Ghana
Zainab Mahboob is a Ghanaian engineering student who was recently awarded the 2021 Diana Award for her work in promoting STEM education in Ghana. She is the founder of the Girls in STEM Initiative, which aims to encourage more girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Through her organization, she has organized workshops and mentorship programs for girls in underserved communities in Ghana.
Nji Collins Gbah — Cameroon
Nji Collins Gbah from Cameroon was awarded first place in the 2017 Google Code-In competition, a global contest for pre-university students aged 13 to 17. Nji was the only African student among the 34 winners and he impressed the judges with his coding skills, winning him a trip to Google’s headquarters in California.
Mubarak Muhammed Abdullahi — Nigeria
Mubarak Muhammed Abdullahi from Nigeria won the 2020 Global Mathematics Competition (GMC) for primary school students. Mubarak, who was just 10 years old at the time, beat over 1,500 other participants from around the world to win the competition.
Alain Manouan — Côte d’Ivoire
Alain Manouan, a student from Côte d’Ivoire, was recently awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford in the UK. Manouan is currently studying electrical engineering and computer science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US, and has conducted research on artificial intelligence and renewable energy.
Ifeoluwa Adetona — Nigeria
Ifeoluwa Adetona, a Nigerian student at the University of Ibadan, recently won the Global Undergraduate Awards for his research on the use of pineapple leaf fibers for the production of biofuel. Adetona’s research has the potential to contribute to sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria and other countries.
Naa Amerley Bardina Quaye — Ghana
Naa Amerley Bardina Quaye, a Ghanaian student at the University of Cambridge in the UK, was recently named one of the top 10 African students in the world by The Africa Report. Quaye is studying for a PhD in education and has conducted research on the impact of colonialism on education in Ghana.
Nura Farah — Somalia
Nura Farah, a Somali-American student, made history by becoming the first Muslim woman to be named a Rhodes Scholar. The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world and is awarded to exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to serving others.
Amina Yahaya — Nigeria
Amina Yahaya, a Nigerian student at Ahmadu Bello University, won the 2020 Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation for her device that detects fake drugs. Yahaya’s invention has the potential to save lives and improve healthcare in Nigeria and other countries.
Tonny Nyangu — Kenya
Tonny Nyangu, a Kenyan student, recently graduated from Harvard Law School with distinction. He is the first Kenyan to graduate from Harvard with a distinction in over 50 years. Tonny, who grew up in a small village in western Kenya, was initially discouraged by his teachers who thought he would not make it to college. However, he persevered and earned a scholarship to study in the United States.
These are just a few examples of the many distinguished African students who have made a significant impact on the world stage academically. From literature, arts, politics, and social justice, African students continue to demonstrate their brilliance and resilience in the face of adversity. As the world continues to grapple with issues of inequality and injustice, the contributions of African students serve as a reminder of the importance of education and the power of knowledge to effect change.
Recent Distinguished Students from Africa
