Nigerian PhD scholar wins French science award for research on river blindness

Oluwadamilare Dauda, a final-year PhD scholar at the Osun State University, has received a French science award for his groundbreaking research on blackfly transmission of river blindness.

In a post via X, the French Embassy in Nigeria announced that Dauda received the Young Scientist Award from the National Veterinary School of Toulouse, France, in recognition of his research supporting disease control efforts in the south-west.

The embassy said the award recognises promising researchers from low- and middle-income countries working in entomology — the branch of zoology that deals with the scientific study of insects.

The embassy added that the award also gave Dauda a chance to deepen his expertise in disease vectors while learning alongside international researchers in Toulouse.

“Meet @diamond_dre, a final-year PhD student at the Osun State University and recipient of the Young Scientist Award from the @env_toulouse — a prestigious honour for emerging researchers from Low- and Middle-Income countries in the field of entomology,” the post reads.

“Thanks to this award, Oluwadamilare attended a summer course in Toulouse, deepening his expertise on disease vectors alongside global experts.

“His research on blackfly transmission of onchocerciasis in SW Nigeria contributes to vital infectious disease control efforts.

“The French Embassy was proud to facilitate his swift visa process — part of our ongoing commitment to supporting academic excellence and scientific exchange between France and Nigeria. Félicitations, Oluwadamilare!”

On his part, Dauda appreciated the French embassy and his hosts and university for their support.

“Sincere thanks to @FranceInNigeria for spotlighting Nigerian academic excellence on the global stage,” he wrote via X.

“I am grateful to Dr @EBouhsira, the summer school organizer, for this incredible opportunity. I am also grateful to @uniosune for giving me a platform to excel.”