UNICROSS Graduates Win International Scholarships to Oxford, China, Taiwan

Graduates of the Department of Medical Biochemistry at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Okuku Campus, have secured prestigious international scholarships for postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, China and Taiwan, highlighting the institution’s contribution to developing talents for global academic and research opportunities.

The achievements, contained in a report by Dr. Boniface Unimke Ati of the department, showcase the academic excellence, determination and resilience of the graduates, who have continued to pursue advanced studies at internationally recognised institutions. According to the report, shared on the WhatsApp platform of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNICROSS Branch, the graduates’ success also highlights the importance of mentorship, professional relationships and access to scholarship opportunities. Among the beneficiaries is Mrs. Francisca Timothy, a 2018 First Class graduate of UNICROSS, who has commenced a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) programme in Biochemistry at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

Timothy previously received the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship to pursue a Master of Science degree in Biochemistry at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, where she graduated with distinction (Cum Laude). She is now a Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholar at Oxford, where her research focuses on how immune cells fight bacterial infections and how their natural antibacterial mechanisms can be enhanced.

Reflecting on her academic journey, Timothy emphasised the importance of mentorship, meaningful relationships and taking advantage of available opportunities. She encouraged current students to look beyond their immediate environment, build supportive relationships with lecturers and fellow students, and actively seek opportunities that could help them achieve their academic and professional ambitions. UNICROSS Graduate Completes Fully Funded Programme in China Another beneficiary, Clancy Otu Bush, a 2021 graduate of the department, completed a fully funded three-year Master’s programme in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), China.

Bush secured the CAS-ANSO Scholarship following his national service, giving him the opportunity to advance his academic and research training. His research experience at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology further broadened his exposure to metabolic and behavioural neuroscience. He expressed appreciation to the lecturers who contributed to his academic development, particularly his undergraduate research supervisor, Dr. Melvin Ugwu, alongside Prof. Asuk Atamgba, Dr. Azubuike Okafor, Dr. Dasofunjo Kayode and Dr. Peter Ujong. While acknowledging challenges relating to laboratory facilities, equipment and staffing during his undergraduate studies, Bush expressed hope that the department would continue to improve its infrastructure, staffing and practical training opportunities.

He urged students to acquire relevant skills, seek guidance from mentors and explore scholarship and research opportunities, stressing that their present circumstances should not limit their future aspirations. Other Graduates Secure International Opportunities The report also identified Sunday Chukwuebuka as a scholarship beneficiary pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health at Tzu Chi University in Taiwan.