Nigerian valedictorian earns medical school scholarship: At just 20 years old, Alaba Ann Danagogo, a brilliant Nigerian scholar, has made history as the overall best-graduating student of Syracuse University’s Class of 2021. Her dedication and hard work earned her a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in English and tertiary studies, graduating with an outstanding 3.97/4.00 cumulative grade point average (CGPA).
Alaba’s academic excellence did not go unnoticed, as she was awarded the prestigious 1870 Syracuse University Scholarship by the university’s Office of Admissions. This highly competitive scholarship will fully fund her medical school education for the next four years, bringing her one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a doctor.
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Beyond her achievement as valedictorian, Ann was also elected as a Senior Marshal of Syracuse University—a prestigious honor given to outstanding students for their leadership and academic excellence. She was further recognized as a Distinguished Syracuse University Scholar, a title reserved for the highest-performing graduates, solidifying her place among the university’s most exceptional scholars.
Alaba Ann’s academic journey as a Nigerian valedictorian who earned a medical school scholarship was enriched by her experience as an undergraduate researcher, where she actively contributed to scientific discovery. She performed routine laboratory experiments, analyzed experimental data, and supported graduate students in their research projects.
Her independent research centered on Cited2, a transcriptional co-regulator crucial to neocortical development in the brain. Through her work, she gained valuable insights into the intricate processes that shape brain formation, further fueling her passion for medical science.
Through her research, Ann hopes to deepen her understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and contribute to the development of medical models that could offer solutions to these conditions.
The United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Canada currently offer several scholarships that include both monthly allowances and full scholarships. Here are some recommendations that you ought to look into:
- Erasmus Mundus IMAPP Scholarship 2025/2026 (Fully Funded)
- 2025 Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)
- 2025 Aston University Ferguson Scholarship for Africans – Fully Funded
Beyond academics, she actively engaged in clinical and community service. She gained hands-on experience in patient care, first working as a medical imaging patient care aide and later as a medical and surgical unit patient care aide in a hospital.
Her dedication to healthcare also took her back to Nigeria, where she volunteered at Ophthalmic Specialist Clinics in Port Harcourt, assisting nurses with visual acuity tests and patient care.
Ann’s passion for service extended beyond medicine. As Event Coordinator for the Food Recovery Network, she played a key role in raising awareness about food waste on college campuses and worked to secure funding for local shelters, ensuring food reached those in need.
Ann also took on leadership and mentorship roles, serving as an International Student Mentor in the Connections Program, where she guided first-year and transfer students in adjusting to university life. Additionally, she worked as a tutor at the Center for Learning and Student Success, offering academic support to fellow students and helping them excel in their studies.
Reflecting on her journey, Ann shared her excitement about being named Senior Class Marshal, a prestigious role that allows her to represent and contribute to the university community as she continues her academic journey.
“Being selected as a Senior Class Marshal makes me appreciate just how different my SU story is shaping up from how it started, I feel honored and excited to hold this position and engage with people on important issues that impact university life and beyond,“ Alaba Ann Danagogo said.
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