A Nigerian has broken Russian Academic records by being the first and the only African to graduate with a CGPA of 5.0

Ifesinachi Nelson Ezeh, a 26-year-old Nigerian, has not only dazzled Russia with his brilliance but has also made history, graduating with a Master’s degree in Agronomy from Saint Petersburg State Agrarian University with a record-breaking Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.0 – the highest ever recorded in Russia. Born in Nsukka, Enugu State, Ifesinachi’s academic journey began when he seized a scholarship opportunity in 2008, forsaking his admission to the Nigerian College of Aviation Studies for a chance to study in Russia.

His dedication to quality research and academic excellence caught the attention of Russia’s Ministry of Agriculture and the university’s leadership, leading to accolades and praise during his graduation. His success story started with a newspaper article about a scholarship scheme, which his father encouraged him to apply for. This bilateral agreement between Nigeria and several countries, including Russia, set him on a path to academic greatness.

Arriving in Russia in 2008, Ifesinachi initially focused on learning the Russian language at Don State Technical University before transferring to Saint Petersburg State Agrarian University to pursue his passion for Agronomy. Under the guidance of Prof Lev Gennadievich Tyryshkin, his thesis supervisor, Ifesinachi delved into academic and industrial research methodologies, marking the beginning of his journey in scientific research.

His groundbreaking research on Aegilops species earned recognition from the European science community. By exposing errors in previous studies and updating plant gene collections, Ifesinachi’s work corrected misinformation that had been presented to the Russian government. Despite facing challenges, such as the rejection of his initial research publication in 2012, Ifesinachi’s determination and improved fluency in the Russian language fueled his interest in research.

Returning to Nigeria after completing his Master’s degree, Ifesinachi decided to serve his country through the National Youth Service, deferring his doctoral program. His choice reflects a commitment to imparting the knowledge gained in Russia to contribute to Nigeria’s agricultural development and address food crises through innovative plant breeding. Ifesinachi Nelson Ezeh’s inspiring journey exemplifies resilience, academic excellence, and a dedication to making a meaningful impact on his homeland.

Okoro Benjamin, a young Nigerian hailing from Anambra state, has etched his name in history as the first Nigerian to achieve a first-class degree in Pharmacy from Voronezh State University in Russia. His outstanding academic performance is reflected in a remarkable Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.65 out of 5, positioning him as the top student in his faculty.

The journey to academic excellence for Benjamin commenced in Nigeria, where he distinguished himself as a top student at the Federal Government College in Anambra. His stellar performance included securing 8As distinctions out of the 9 subjects he undertook in his senior secondary school certificate exam. Although his initial attempt to study Pharmacy at the University of Port Harcourt was unsuccessful due to a high cut-off mark, he persevered and took the Nigeria Federal Scholarship Board Exam, excelling and earning a scholarship to pursue Pharmacy at Voronezh State University in Russia.

Studying at one of Russia’s premier universities, Benjamin encountered a mix of challenges and opportunities that fueled his determination to excel and bring honor to his homeland. Throughout his academic journey, he received significant support and encouragement from his lecturers, classmates, and friends, contributing to his success on this extraordinary educational path. Read more about Benjamin here.

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