Samuel Badekale, a top graduate from the University of Lagos, has earned the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship in Biomembranes after completing his Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology and Genetics with a flawless CGPA of 5.00.

Recognized as the 2023/2024 Overall Best Graduating Student and Best in Sciences at UNILAG, Badekale stands out as the only Nigerian and West African selected for this highly competitive, European Union-funded programme.

Over the next two years, the scholarship will enable him to study at three distinguished institutions across Europe: Université Côte d’Azur in France, the University of Genoa in Italy, and the University of Osnabrück in Germany. The interdisciplinary curriculum will cover advanced topics in Membrane Biology, Neuroscience, and Experimental Medicine.

Sharing the announcement on his X (formerly Twitter) page, Badekale wrote, “2025 has been amazing in every way! Pleased to announce the next step in my journey: selected as the only Nigerian and West African for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Biomembranes, studying across three world-class universities in France, Italy and Germany.”

Reflecting on his journey, he added, “As I look back, I see a young boy from Mushin, with a big dream: to explore the world and make a positive impact. And today, by God’s faithfulness, that dream is gradually becoming a reality. Truly, ‘with God, every dream is achievable, even those that seem impossible.’”

He also encouraged young people to see education as a bridge to global opportunities. “To my younger self and every student out there: Trust God. Hold your education tightly. Come out with the best grades possible, strive for excellence, because education is still one of the most powerful keys to move from your local community to the global stage. Education isn’t a scam. It’s a weapon. Use it.”

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Plus programme aims to develop scholars with broad interdisciplinary expertise, equipping them for impactful careers in biomedical sciences, research, and policy-making.