First Class Graduate Wins Mastercard Scholarship to McGill

Oreoluwa Joy Isola, a first-class graduate from the University of Ibadan, has been selected as a 2026 Mastercard Foundation Scholar to pursue a master's degree in Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry at McGill University in Canada. She announced this achievement on LinkedIn in August 2026, expressing that her younger self would be proud.

Notably, this was her first attempt at applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. Oreoluwa's journey included initial setbacks, such as not gaining admission into her preferred university course, leading her to enroll in a National Diploma program in Food Science.

After completing her diploma, she gained admission into the Food Technology program at the University of Ibadan, graduating with a first-class degree. Throughout her application process for graduate opportunities, she faced uncertainty and rejection but remained motivated by her belief in her potential.

She credited her sister and friend, Suliat Adedokun, for introducing her to the scholarship, along with the support of her undergraduate supervisor Olufunke Ezekiel and lecturer Adebola Oladunjoye, who provided recommendations.