Niyi Olanrewaju, a determined Nigerian man, has transcended the challenges faced by many to attain extraordinary academic success in Germany, all while graduating with a Second Class Lower (2.2) from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
In a remarkable span of ten years, Niyi achieved a Master of Science (MSc), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), showcasing how tenacity and perseverance can redefine one’s destiny.
Niyi completed his undergraduate studies in 2011, earning a degree in Animal Production and Health (APH) from FUTA. After fulfilling the one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) requirement, he initially aimed to start a livestock farming business and even hoped to enter politics.
With supportive parents who funded his entrepreneurial plans, Niyi’s trajectory changed after a pivotal conversation with his uncle. Instead of providing financial backing for his intended venture, his uncle urged him to obtain a master’s degree abroad, explore diverse cultures, and comprehend the workings of developed nations. This pivotal dialogue prompted Niyi to rethink his future.
Additionally, a friend from FUTA, already studying for a master’s in Germany, enlightened Niyi about the country’s tuition-free public university system and the wealth of opportunities available. Motivated by these insights, he chose to pursue a graduate degree in Germany.
Eager to seize the opportunity, Niyi gained admission to the University of Bremen and subsequently to Christian-Albrechts-University in Kiel, where he specialized in Agricultural Genomics.
He excelled academically, achieving first-class grades in three of his four semesters, culminating in a perfect score in his final semester—an equivalent of a 5.0 grade point average in Nigeria.
His MSc thesis examined oxidative stress tolerance in nematodes used in biological pest control, leading to a fascination with the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress and its link to cancer. This interest prompted him to pursue a PhD in Cancer Biology at Hannover Medical School in Germany.
Despite lacking prior experience in Cancer Biology, Niyi was chosen for one of the most competitive PhD programs in Germany, a feat accomplished by only 18 out of over 450 applicants.
During his PhD journey, Niyi developed a keen interest in gene therapy, focusing on the use of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as delivery systems for genetic treatments of diseases.
Even with a completed PhD, he made the uncommon decision to enroll in an MBA program. Explaining his motivations, Niyi shared that as he neared the end of his doctorate, uncertainties loomed about his next steps and the timing of securing a postdoctoral position.
Nevertheless, just three months into his job search, he landed a postdoctoral role. Instead of relinquishing his MBA pursuits, he tackled the dual responsibilities of demanding research and 20-hour-a-week MBA classes, resiliently managing both.
Today, Niyi is part of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma, the world’s largest privately-owned pharmaceutical company, where his research focuses on optimizing AAV vector platforms for gene therapy—an endeavor that holds the promise of transforming treatments for genetic diseases.
Reflecting on his path, Niyi articulates his journey from a small town in Ondo State, Nigeria, to becoming a leading expert in gene therapy in Germany, emphasizing how perseverance and resolve have shone through in his story.
Niyi attributes his achievements to faith, determination, and an unyielding quest for knowledge. “Looking back at how far I’ve come and everything I’ve achieved with God’s help, I’m filled with gratitude, and I recognize that my life itself is my greatest accomplishment,” he said.
“No mountain is too high to climb if you set your mind to it. Hard work can bring every dream to fruition. My parents’ sacrifices to provide me with the best drive me to make them proud,” he remarked.
To others navigating challenges in their academic and professional paths, Niyi’s advice is to remain focused. “The joy of achieving your goals will far outweigh the struggles and hardships encountered along the way,” he concluded.