Ugochukwu Madu Receives Prestigious Engagement, Service & Advocacy Award at University of Iowa

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Nigerian PhD student Ugochukwu Madu was honored with the Engagement, Service & Advocacy Award during the University of Iowa’s 2024 International Student Graduation Celebration held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at the Iowa Memorial Union in Iowa City, United States.

The annual ceremony, organized by University of Iowa International Programs, recognized graduating international students from fall 2023, spring 2024 and summer 2024. Madu, who earned a master’s degree in Mass Communication with a Health Communication concentration as part of his ongoing direct-entry PhD program, was one of two recipients of the award, which acknowledges exceptional contributions to campus engagement and community advancement. He shared the honor with fellow awardee and graduating PhD student, Frankline Matanji.

The event, attended by faculty, students, and families, also featured keynote speeches and performances from international students. The award presentation segment was the highlight of the evening, showcasing students who had made distinguished impacts across leadership, scholarship and service.

Madu’s selection for the Engagement, Service & Advocacy Award is the latest in a string of recognitions acknowledging his academic achievements and leadership at Iowa. Since beginning his doctoral program in fall 2022, he has received the Easton Collaborative Research Award, Stanley Award for International Research, Graduate Engagement Corps (GEC) research grant, and the Student Impact Award. He was also named Most Inspirational Personality of the Year (Academic Category) by DCSI Africa and received a Departmental Certificate of Recognition from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

His award-winning research explores media’s role in combating public health misinformation, particularly in underrepresented communities. Madu collaborates with grassroots groups to promote access to credible information and strengthen community voices in health communication initiatives.

“My academic pursuits are rooted in public purpose. We live in a world where false health narratives can cost lives. I want to be part of the global response that restores trust and transparency in public health communication.”

University officials, including University of Iowa Associate Provost and Dean of International Programs, Russell Ganim, praised students like Madu for their contributions to the campus community and global scholarship. “You have risen to a level of accomplishment and self-assurance that will serve you well for the rest of your lives,” Ganim said during the closing remarks.

The Engagement, Service & Advocacy Award reinforces Madu’s place as a leading voice among international scholars and his commitment to bridging academia and community impact through research, mentorship and advocacy. He is expected to complete his PhD in the spring of 2027.