GLLIA Awards 2025: Redeemer’s University and OAU Nursing Students Steal the Spotlight
LAGOS, Nigeria — On September 27, 2025, the bustling city of Lagos came alive with inspiration as the Golden Lamp Leadership Initiative Africa (GLLIA) Undergraduate Nursing Research Summit & Awards took place at LTV Combo Hall in Ikeja.
Themed “From Basics to Cutting Edge: Advancing Nursing Through Research,” the event celebrated the passion and ingenuity of Nigeria’s next generation of nurse leaders. Students from Redeemer’s University and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) rose to the occasion, earning top honors with research that promises to transform healthcare across Africa. Joined by esteemed Lagos nurse leaders, dedicated faculty, and mentors, the summit was a powerful reminder of what nurses can achieve when they combine heart and intellect.
For Fellow Nurses Africa, this is a moment to honor the human spirit driving nursing forward.
A Gathering of Visionaries
Led by CEO Oluyemisi Otitoloju, the Golden Lamp Leadership Initiative Africa brought together final-year nursing students from universities across Southwest and Southeast Nigeria. The summit was a vibrant blend of keynote speeches, research presentations, and networking, all designed to spark innovation and leadership. Esteemed speakers, including Professor Prisca Adejumo and Professor Omolola O. Irinoye, Vice Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, shared insights on critical issues like cancer prevention and global health advancements.
Expert panelists, Professor Adekemi Olowokere from OAU and Dr. Rafiat Anokwuru from Babcock University, brought academic rigor, carefully evaluating the students’ research for its impact and precision.
The event drew prominent figures from Lagos’ healthcare community, including Olusola Aketi, Director of Nursing Services for Lagos State, who attended both in her official capacity and as the representative of Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health. Their presence highlighted the vital connection between nursing research and real-world healthcare policy, inspiring students to see their work as part of a larger mission to improve lives.
The summit’s process was thorough: faculty from Nigerian universities screened student research projects for quality and relevance, selecting the best to present. Those chosen received free registration, a chance to connect with mentors, and the opportunity to compete for over N3 million in prizes, along with thoughtful gifts. At its core, the event was about empowering nurses to tackle Africa’s healthcare challenges with evidence-based solutions.
Redeemer’s University and OAU Shine Bright
The 2025 GLLIA Awards showcased extraordinary talent from Redeemer’s University and Obafemi Awolowo University. Victor Saliu, a final-year nursing student at Redeemer’s University, won first place, earning N2 million for a research project that blended creativity with practical impact.
His classmate Uba Paul took third place, receiving N250,000 for his equally impressive work. The Department of Nursing Science at Redeemer’s University was also celebrated, receiving a N1 million award for its outstanding contribution, a testament to the program’s dedication to excellence.
Obafemi Awolowo University, known for its academic strength, saw its nursing students secure second place, a proud moment for the institution ranked fourth in Nigeria and among the world’s top universities in 2025. Their achievement reflects the university’s commitment to advancing nursing research, guided by faculty like Professor Adekemi Olowokere, who also served as a panelist.
Mentorship That Makes a Difference
Behind these successes were dedicated mentors from Redeemer’s University, including Dr. Omobola Oluwaseyi, Samuel Godwin Atayi, Oyibo Silas, and Dr. Deborah Onisile, alongside other faculty. Their guidance shaped the students’ projects, offering support and wisdom that turned ideas into impactful research.
Professor Adekemi Olowokere’s leadership at OAU further underscored the power of mentorship in nurturing nurse researchers who can change the world.
Victor Saliu spoke from the heart about his win: “This is for every nurse who dreams of making a difference. Research lets us touch lives in ways we never imagined.” Uba Paul added, “Our mentors believed in us, and that made all the difference.
This is about building a community that lifts each other up.” Their words capture the spirit of the summit—a shared journey of passion, hard work, and hope.
A Shared Victory for Nurses Across Africa
The 2025 GLLIA Summit welcomed students from across Nigeria, likely including institutions like the University of Ibadan, Adekunle Ajasin University, and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, based on the event’s regional reach and the 2024 summit’s participation of 11 Southwest Nigerian universities.
The atmosphere was electric, with students sharing ideas, learning from mentors, and finding inspiration in each other’s work. For nurses across Africa, the achievements of Victor, Uba, and OAU’s students feel personal—a reminder that every late-night study session and bold idea can lead to something extraordinary.
The presence of Lagos nurse leaders like Olusola Aketi and Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi’s representation added a layer of real-world relevance, showing students how their research can shape healthcare policy and practice. For Fellow Nurses Africa, this event is a celebration of what nurses can achieve when they dare to dream big.
Why This Matters for Nursing in Africa
The GLLIA Awards are more than a competition—they’re a call to action. By honoring students like those from Redeemer’s University and OAU, the summit shows how research can address Africa’s pressing healthcare needs, from improving maternal care to managing chronic diseases.
It’s a reminder that nurses are not just caregivers but also innovators and advocates who can change lives.
The success of these students reflects the strength of their institutions. Redeemer’s University fosters a nurturing environment for nursing excellence, while OAU’s global partnerships, like its collaboration with Penn State University, amplify its impact.
Together, they’re shaping a future where African nurses lead with knowledge and compassion.
For nurses across Africa, the achievements of Victor, Uba, and OAU’s students are deeply relatable. They reflect the journey of every nursing student who balances rigorous academics with a vision to improve lives. As Victor Saliu shared,
“This win is for every nurse striving to make a difference. Research is our tool to transform healthcare.”
Uba Paul added,
“Mentorship and collaboration made this possible—it’s about building a community of change-makers.”
These words resonate with Fellow Nurses Africa’s audience, inspiring students and professionals to pursue research with purpose.
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