August 6, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
A proud son of the Yoruba soil, Oluwadamilare Dauda, has brought honour to his people and country after clinching the Young Scientist Award from the prestigious National Veterinary School of Toulouse in France.
Dauda, a final-year PhD scholar at Osun State University (UNIOSUN), was recognised for his groundbreaking research on blackflies and their role in the transmission of onchocerciasis (river blindness), a disease that continues to affect parts of South-West Nigeria.
The announcement was made by the French Embassy in Nigeria via a post on X, where Dauda was praised as an emerging force in entomology, the scientific study of insects — a field critical to disease control.
“Meet @diamond_dre… recipient of the Young Scientist Award from @env_toulouse — a prestigious honour for researchers from low and middle-income countries,” the post read.
This award provided Dauda the opportunity to attend a high-level summer course in Toulouse, where he collaborated with global experts in disease research, further deepening his knowledge and experience.
Beyond the academic excellence, this feat reflects the age-old Yoruba tradition of honouring knowledge and scientific curiosity. Dauda’s achievement continues the legacy of Yoruba sons and daughters who distinguish themselves on the world stage.
Reacting to the recognition, Dauda expressed gratitude to the French Embassy, his university, and organisers of the programme.
The French Embassy, in turn, noted it was proud to support Dauda’s journey by ensuring a smooth visa process, as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening academic ties with Nigeria.
Dauda’s success is a proud moment not just for Osun State or Nigeria, but for the entire Yoruba nation, a testament to the spirit of excellence, resilience, and global relevance rooted in Yoruba identity.
