GLLIA Awards 2025: Redeemer’s University and OAU Nursing Students Steal the Spotlight
LAGOS, Nigeria — On September 27, 2025, the vibrant city of Lagos became a hub of nursing innovation as the Golden Lamp Leadership Initiative Africa (GLLIA) Undergraduate Nursing Research Summit & Awards unfolded at LTV Combo Hall, Ikeja. Themed From Basics to Cutting Edge: Advancing Nursing Through Research, the 2025 summit celebrated the brilliance of Nigeria’s future nurse leaders.
Students from Redeemer’s University and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) stood out, claiming top honors and showcasing the transformative power of nursing research in Africa.
For Fellow Nurses Africa, this event is a beacon of inspiration, highlighting the potential of young nurses to shape healthcare through evidence-based practice.
A Landmark Event for Nursing Excellence
The GLLIA Summit, organized by the Golden Lamp Leadership Initiative Africa—a non-profit dedicated to nursing leadership, research, and community growth—brought together final-year nursing students from universities across Southwest and Southeast Nigeria.
The event featured keynote addresses from luminaries like Prof. Prisca Adejumo and Prof. Omolola O. Irinoye, Vice Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, who inspired attendees with insights on cancer prevention, global health innovations, and the role of research in nursing. With a focus on fostering evidence-based practice, the summit included research presentations, networking opportunities, and an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding student projects.
The rigorous selection process saw faculty from Nigerian universities screen submissions for methodological rigor and practical impact. Selected students earned free registration to present their work, connect with scholars, and compete for a prize pool exceeding N3 million, complemented by exciting gifts and surprise packages. The event’s mission: to nurture nurse leaders who can address Africa’s healthcare challenges through research and innovation.
Redeemer’s University and OAU Lead the Way
The 2025 GLLIA Awards spotlighted exceptional talent from Redeemer’s University and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). Victor Saliu, a final-year nursing student from Redeemer’s University, clinched first place, securing a N2 million prize for his groundbreaking research project. His work exemplified the creativity and dedication needed to advance nursing practice. Uba Paul, also from Redeemer’s University, earned third place with a N250,000 prize, further showcasing the institution’s research prowess.
The Department of Nursing Science at Redeemer’s University was honored with a N1 million departmental award for its outstanding performance, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), renowned for its contributions to research and innovation, celebrated a significant achievement as its nursing students secured second place in the competition. This accomplishment underscores the university’s strong nursing program and its role in fostering evidence-based research. OAU’s success at the summit aligns with its reputation as a leading institution, ranked 4th in Nigeria and 1608th globally in 2025, with notable strengths in health sciences.
A Collective Triumph for Nursing in Africa
The 2025 GLLIA Summit welcomed participants from multiple institutions, including universities such as the University of Ibadan, Adekunle Ajasin University, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, and others, based on the event’s regional focus and patterns from the 2024 summit, which saw 11 universities from Southwest Nigeria participate. The collaborative atmosphere allowed students to exchange ideas, learn from mentors, and ignite their passion for research, creating a ripple effect across the nursing community.
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.
Why This Matters for Nursing in Africa
The GLLIA Awards are a catalyst for change, empowering nurses to tackle pressing healthcare challenges—from maternal health to chronic disease management—through evidence-based solutions. By recognizing students like those from Redeemer’s University and OAU, the event highlights the critical role of research in elevating nursing practice. For Fellow Nurses Africa, this is a moment to celebrate the potential of young nurses to lead with compassion and innovation.
The success of these students also underscores the importance of institutional support. Redeemer’s University and OAU, both leaders in Nigerian academia, provide environments where nursing students can thrive. OAU’s recent collaborations, such as its partnership with Penn State University for research and exchange programs, further demonstrate its commitment to global impact, complementing its achievements at events like GLLIA.
Join the Movement: The Future of Nursing Research
The 2025 GLLIA Awards have raised the bar for nursing excellence, inspiring nurses across Africa to embrace research as a tool for change. Fellow Nurses Africa calls on students, educators, and professionals to draw inspiration from Victor, Uba, and OAU’s students and contribute to the future of healthcare. Whether you’re drafting your first research proposal or mentoring the next generation, your work matters.
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