A lady identified as Adeola Olubamiji shared her inspiring story on Facebook stating that it’s few years ago since she became the first black person to obtain a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada.
Sharing the goodnews on Facebook, she wrote
“Exactly 5 years ago today, I became the FIRST BLACK PERSON to obtain a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from University of Saskatchewan Canada 🎉. The world met me, we went viral everywhere and the journey began. And 5 years has indeed transformed my life. This post brought my husband to me, was the beginning of STEMHub Foundation, brought me into your homes, gave me visibility to Nigerian leaders, gave me a platform in Canada to become a fearless STEM leader, and instrumental to me meeting many amazing people who have become close friends and family. Let’s remember my famous write up together.
As the 5th child of 5, I always had to wait for my turn. I was the last, a girl child and raised by a mother who is farmer and a father who has little, I hawked pepper on the streets of Ibadan as early as age 10 to help my mum. Went to public primary and secondary school in Ibadan. Attended OOU and studied Physics. Because I had a 2.1, it opened the door for me to proceed to Finland for a Masters Degree in Biomedical Engineering. During this masters degree, I worked part-time as a cleaner and did this after my Masters as well. Out of determination, I applied to over 100 schools for my PhD and finally got a full 3 year scholarship (later extended to 4 years scholarship) at University of Saskatchewan, Canada to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. While in that PhD program, I worked part-time as a makeup artist, teaching assistant, braided hair and fix weaves to make extra money.
Today I walked the stage as the first black person to bag a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from University of Saskatchewan, Canada!!! I walked this stage for you Mama Africa and for my Motherland Nigeria!!! I walked the stage for all of you black women disrespected and looked down on!!!! I walked for all of you from my ghetto hood “Mokola”, Ibadan. I walked for all OSU students and ex-students that got that look from people who think we are not brilliant!! I walked for all of you Africans in Finland wondering what is next for you!!
Specially, I walked for you my parents. siblings and extended family in fulfillment of your dreams! Specially, I walked the stage for you my late sister Omoleye Olubamiji and my late mentor Ayodele Olatunbosun. Today I walked for my future husband and my unborn children who patiently waited for me to fulfill my dreams so that he can have a wife he will be proud of and they can have a role model to look up to. I walked for all immigrants and all young adults who strived everyday chasing their dreams!!! I walked in celebration of the unfailing love of my first and one truly true love Jesus Christ (in you I walk in you I live and in you I have had and will continue to have my being)!!!
Be bold, be innovative, be different, be you, be everything you want to be but remember to put God first!!! Let no man, upbringing, money, circumstance, colorism, past mistakes, institution, company, partner, background, let nothing tell you you can’t do it. Go smart! Go hard!! Go for Gold!!! Go with God!!! Just Get Going!!!!! #Grad2017 #PhDConvocation
FOREVER WALKING FOR YOU 😭❤️🎉! Forever standing up for you! And forever showing the world what it means to be Black Girl Magic 💃🎉
Thank you to those of you who have supported me from 2017, rooted for me and watched me grow.
Today, I am reminded again that what I do with my education is up to me and that degrees can transform our lives. Indeed, education is not a scam”
Credit: Facebook | Adeola Olubamiji
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