500 level student wins Switzerland training, sets African record

A 500-level Computer Engineering student at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has become the first African to be selected for the ICT training programme in CERN Openlab, Switzerland.

Mufutau Akuruyejo achieved the feat through an MTN Nigeria Foundation (MTNF) scholarship worth the sum of N200, 000 which he won in 2012.

“As a second year student in 2012, I saw an advert on the MTN Nigeria Foundation website requesting for application into a scholarship scheme by the Foundation," he said.

"I forwarded my application and I was invited for an exam, which I passed.

After maintaining the required minimum CGPA of 3.50, the ICT enthusiast got a second lucky break in 2015.

“Early this year, there was another post on the MTNF Facebook page requesting for applicants to take part in a nine-week advanced IT project.

"I applied for the project and after a rigorous selection exercise, which included recommendation from my department, I was selected.”

That was how he won the nine-week ICT training programme in Switzerland.

Mufutau said he is already making plans on how to "maximise this opportunity while in Switzerland."

I hope to learn enough about Oracle database while I also make enquiries on possibilities of furthering my education; probably as an intern in a research institute because I am very passionate about technology," he added.

Noting that "hard work pays", Muftau named Microsoft owner Bill Gates and Oracle CEO Larry Ellison among the personalities that inspire him.