At just 18 years old, Blossom Chikezie, a brilliant Nigerian lady, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by graduating with a first-class degree in Software Engineering. With an impressive 4.84 GPA out of a possible 5.00 points, Blossom emerged as the best-graduating student from the Software Engineering department at the School of Computing Sciences, Babcock University, Nigeria.
Blossom’s remarkable achievement did not come without its challenges. Reflecting on her success, she took to Twitter to express her gratitude and pride: “A week ago, God did a thing! Best graduating student, Software Engineering department (4.84/5). BSc Software Engineering (First Class Honors) against all odds and uncertainties, bagged these at 18! So happy, so proud.”
While still a student, Blossom won a prestigious Tech Scholarship from Zuri Team, a leading IT consulting firm in Nigeria. The scholarship played a crucial role in enhancing her knowledge and skills in software engineering, allowing her to excel academically and professionally.
Currently, Blossom is working as an Associate Software Engineer at Prune Edge, a tech firm based in Lagos, Nigeria. Her journey in the tech industry began early, and she has accumulated over three years of professional experience, specializing in both frontend and backend development.
Blossom’s technical skills are vast and impressive. She has expertise in frontend technologies such as HTML/CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, ReactJS, Next.js, Tailwind CSS, and Material UI. Additionally, she has backend experience with technologies like Node.js, Strapi.js, C#, and .NET. Her notable projects include developing a digital payment and transaction management system tailored for the transportation sector, as well as creating an eCommerce application that streamlines online shopping experiences.
Beyond her technical expertise, Blossom is passionate about empowering others, particularly women in technology. As the co-chair of the Femmetech Association at Babcock University, she actively promotes inclusivity and mentorship for women in tech through various events and initiatives. She also served as a teaching assistant on EdConnect, where she provided academic support to students and helped them navigate learning challenges.
Blossom’s contributions to academia are also notable. She co-authored a research paper on the “Dual-Activation Emergency Situation Notification” system, a project aimed at improving the efficiency of emergency response systems. This project exemplifies her commitment to using technology to solve real-world problems and make a positive impact on society.
Passionate about continuous learning and innovation, Blossom is now exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential applications to address global challenges. Her vision is to leverage AI to create solutions that benefit humanity, and she is eager to share her knowledge and experiences through public speaking and industry events.
Blossom Chikezie’s achievements at such a young age are a testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for technology. As she continues to make strides in the tech industry, she remains committed to inspiring and empowering others, particularly women in technology, while expanding her impact on a global scale.
Stella Chinelo Emelife, a Nigerian chemist, is making waves on the global stage with her outstanding academic and research achievements. Her journey, marked by brilliance and determination, began at Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto, Nigeria, where she earned her first-class degree in Applied Chemistry with an impressive CGPA of 4.86. This early success set the stage for even greater feats, as she soon took on international challenges and achieved unprecedented heights.
In 2018, while pursuing her master’s degree in Chemistry at Mysore University, India, Stella made history. She not only earned a distinction with a remarkable 92.6% grade, but she also shattered a 100-year academic record by winning 20 gold medals and five cash prizes at the university’s 99th convocation. Stella became the first international student to achieve this level of success, emerging as the best-graduating student—a momentous achievement in the institution’s century-long history.
Her academic journey was supported by a fully funded scholarship from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and scientific inquiry. Her achievements did not go unnoticed in her home country either. Professor Sunday Olawale Okeniyi, President of the National Council of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), hailed Stella as a great asset to Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of supporting her aspirations and research goals. Click here to continue reading about Stella Chinelo Emelife.