Nigeria’s Osemudiamen Anao from University of Benin, has emerged among the top three applicants for the Ideas Matter Research Fellowships for West African Scholars.
Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé, Manager, Media Relations, The MasterCard Foundation, in a statement in Boston on Friday, said the three top West African scholars were women.
“In this inaugural competition, the Ideas Matter Doctoral Fellowship program received 63 applications from graduate students representing 10 West African countries and fields as diverse as biology, agronomy, political science, medicine, public health, chemistry and pharmacy.
“While only 17 of the 63 applicants were women, the three applications which rose to the top were all submitted by young women – attesting to the growing role of women in science and technology.
“The three candidates selected from this rich trove of applications are: Akomoun Blandine Kapko (Benin), Université d’Abomey-Calavi.
“She will develop an inventory of plants used in the traditional treatment of typhoid fever, further working to identify and isolate their active properties.
“Osemudiamen Anao (Nigeria), University of Benin, will explore the health effects of a toxic common component of e-waste capable of acting as an endocrine disruptor, carcinogen and neuro-development toxicant.
“Gloria Tetteh-Kubi (Ghana), University of Cape Coast, will investigate measures aimed at reducing widespread pesticide use in cowpea cultivation, contributing to poverty reduction, food security and biodiversity conservation.
“The 4,000 U.S. dollars grants will allow recipients to solve some of the most trenchant health and economic challenges facing Africa today”.
The statement said The Ideas Matter Fellowship Program reflected WARA and The MasterCard Foundation’s commitment to increasing opportunities for emerging West African scholars.
The two organisations pointed out that the West African scholars are “transforming ideas into active solutions to the challenges facing the region and the world at large”. (NAN)
