Oreoluwa Joy Isola, a first class graduate of 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 the achievement on LinkedIn in August 2026, describing the news as surreal and noting that her 16-year-old self would be deeply proud.
A Surprising First-Time Application
What made the announcement even more remarkable, according to her LinkedIn post, was that this was her very first time applying for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship will fund her entire master's programme, covering tuition and related expenses at the Canadian institution.
Isola's academic journey was far from straightforward. After failing to gain admission into her preferred university course, she enrolled in a National Diploma programme in Food Science and Technology—a field she admitted she did not warm to immediately. Over time, however, her perspective shifted entirely, and she eventually used Direct Entry to gain admission into the Food Technology programme at the University of Ibadan, where she graduated with first class honours.
From Rejections to a Landmark Win
Before the breakthrough, Isola explored various graduate opportunities and scholarships in a process she described as filled with uncertainty and rejection. She credited a stubborn belief in her own potential with keeping her going, writing in her post that she "couldn't be more delusional" but that the conviction ultimately carried her through.
In her announcement, she gave particular credit to her sister and friend, Suliat Adedokun, for introducing her to the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship and supporting her throughout the application process. She also acknowledged her undergraduate supervisor, Olufunke Ezekiel, and lecturer Adebola Oladunjoye, who provided recommendation letters, as well as several mentors and colleagues whose guidance shaped her journey.
Supporters Celebrate the Achievement
The announcement drew warm reactions from her network. Nelson O. David commented: "Oreoluwa Joy Isola (MNIFST) You've won boss lady! Congratulations. Greater success in Canada." Abigail Baiyemo wrote: "Yes He is not done yet. This is just the beginning of many more milestone to come." Suliat Adedokun (MNIFST) added: "My sisterrrrrrrrrrr you know I will always be rooting for you."
In a related development, Legit.ng previously reported that the Lagos State University's (LASU) best graduating student opened up about her admission experience in an interview, sharing her struggle, school experience, and future goals. Isola's next step is to begin her master's programme at McGill University, where she will deepen her expertise in Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry.
