FUTA graduate emerges Nigeria’s only data science awardee in AU PAU scholarship
Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
A Nigerian, Hakeem Adekunle, has been named the country’s only awardee in the Data Science department of the 2023 Pan African University (PAU) Scholarship, following a highly competitive selection process that attracted applicants from all 55 African Union (AU) member states.
Although several Nigerians were admitted into other programmes under the AU scholarship scheme, Adekunle distinguished himself as the sole Nigerian selected for the Data Science track, one of the most competitive fields within the Pan African University system.
Adekunle, a graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), will now commence postgraduate studies in Data Science under the AU’s flagship academic initiative, designed to build a new generation of African researchers, innovators and development-focused professionals.
His application, submitted in December 2022, progressed through a rigorous multi-stage assessment which evaluated academic excellence, research potential and continental development relevance.
The AU Commission confirmed that Adekunle was among a limited number of candidates chosen across Africa, making his emergence in the Data Science category particularly noteworthy.
Adekunle completed his bachelor’s degree in Applied Statistics at FUTA in October 2021, graduating within the top one per cent of his class before proceeding for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
His strong academic background was cited as a major strength in securing the competitive Data Science position.
The Pan African University Scholarship awarded to him is valued at approximately $78,000 and covers full tuition, international travel, accommodation, monthly stipends, research support and medical insurance.
The AU explained that the fully funded package is aimed at removing financial barriers for promising African scholars, allowing them to focus fully on academic and research excellence.
Education observers have described Adekunle’s selection as a reflection of Nigeria’s capacity to produce high-achieving scholars despite challenges in the nation’s education system.
They noted that the Data Science pathway is central to Africa’s priorities in technology, innovation, governance, climate resilience, health and economic planning.
Reacting to the development, Adekunle said the award represents both an honour and a call to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s scientific advancement.
He added that the programme will equip him with advanced analytical competencies needed to support data-driven decision-making and research across the continent.
Established in 2011, the Pan African University operates across Kenya, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria and South Africa, offering postgraduate programmes designed to address Africa’s developmental challenges through high-impact research.
Adekunle is expected to resume academic activities at his assigned PAU institute in the coming months, marking the beginning of a new phase in his journey as one of Africa’s emerging Data Science researchers.
