As a child, I followed my father to his lab on days that weren't school days. I was fascinated with the environment and the work he did. I would watch with enthusiasm as he carried out his experiments which led to the production of effective drugs. One of which stopped a stomach upset I had at the time. In the years to come, I found myself greatly fascinated by the vast knowledge in the universe waiting to be explored and the possibility of harnessing such knowledge to solve problems. During my undergraduate studies, I excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities. I emerged as the best student in my department (Biology Education) in introductory biotechnology course. I carried out a research seminar on gene technology and it's application in medicine, pharmacology, food industries, agriculture. For instance in agriculture, Producers may be able to grow crops under adverse conditions, such as drought. Some genetically engineered plant foods require significantly fewer chemical applications during growth and therefore have less environmental impact. Production of bovine somatotropin (BST), a hormone increasing milk production in dairy cows, by GM bacteria. Not only did I score an A, I was greatly motivated to pursue an MSc in biotechnology. I was the student leader in my faculty and graduated with second-class upper.
I was posted to Fr Tansi secondary school, Akpu Orumba South LGA Anambra, Nigeria for the mandatory one year service. I spearheaded several sensitization programmes for the pupils on career choice and peer pressure influence. I also adopted the problem solving method of teaching, learnt as an undergraduate. Here, students are encouraged to solve pertinent problem with what they have learnt instead of mere repetition aimed at passing exams. For instance, I asked my students to help control land and noise pollution in the school environment. With their collective effort, the school was free from noise and land pollution in less than a month. This prepared them to be leaders in the future. After my youth service, I got job with Enugu State Government as a teacher. I emerged at the top twenty and was readily posted to Girls Secondary School Akegbe-ugwu. Since then, I have been teaching with enthusiasm like when I was a child. A child when properly motivated and trained will be an asset to the society. I am honored to be part of this noble profession.
The quest for Nigeria achieve sustainable economic development can only be achieved through combination of oil and gas and other sectors such as agriculture, education and biotechnology. This is because a house standing on one pillar will surely collapse if the pillar collapses. However, if there are many pillars, at the collapse of one, the others will sustain the house while the collapsed pillar is restored. The current shock being suffered by the Nigerian economy as a result of oil mono economy and oil price fluctuation is an indication that the time to explore other sectors of the economy is now. Thus, In the sector of biotechnology which involves the use of biology to solve problems and make useful products. Nigeria can excel as a result of abundance of biological resources in the nation. There is the possibility that biomass, and other renewable biological fuels could be used to at least partially replace the fossil fuels that are beginning to run out, and have been damaging the environment for a long time.
In the petroleum sector there is need for introduction of biotechnology, such as Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) which is the usage of microorganisms to facilitate and increase oil production from an oil reservoir. MEOR is a more environmental friendly method can be introduced. This and more Nigeria can adopt.
Furthermore, I find it amazing how spider silk is stronger than steel cable, weight for weight, and that in countries like China, bamboo is strong enough to be used for scaffolding, whereas the western world make use of steel.
In the petroleum sector there is need for introduction of biotechnology, such as Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) which is the usage of microorganisms to facilitate and increase oil production from an oil reservoir. MEOR is a more environmental friendly method.
Can be introduced, This and more Nigeria can adopt. I believe in Nigeria lies enormous potentials in nature and in society,just about everyone and every thing has a place and function of endless possibilities.
I am optimistic that obtaining this scholarship and admission is the next step in achieving my goal of being an expert in biotechnology with an eye for technical, vocational training for economic development and sustainability beyond oil and gas. The UK is fourth in the world for expenditure on biotechnology research and has made excellent breakthroughs in biotechnology. My motivation to take the Masters' in Biotechnology in a UK University is strengthened by its rich course modules relating to statistics, research, pedagogy strategies, education planning and evaluation, and education system strengthening. I am confident that on completion of the Masters in education programme, I will gain relevant knowledge, skills and experience to contribute significantly to national efforts aimed at facilitating job creation and unemployment rate reduction in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa through research, policy development, and quality assurance.