GLLIA Recognises Nursing Students for Outstanding Research Work

The Golden Lamp Leadership Initiative Africa (GLLIA) Undergraduate Nursing Research Summit & Awards recently honoured the groundbreaking research of final-year nursing students from across Nigeria.

Held at LTV Combo Hall in Ikeja, Lagos, the event was themed “From Basics to Cutting Edge: Advancing Nursing Through Research.” It gathered nursing students from universities in the Southwest and Southeast for a day of keynote sessions, research presentations, and mentorship designed to promote leadership and innovation in healthcare.

Led by GLLIA CEO Oluyemisi Otitoloju, the summit brought together academic and healthcare professionals to celebrate research addressing critical health challenges across Africa. Distinguished speakers, including Professor Prisca Adejumo and Professor Omolola Irinoye, Vice Chancellor of Achievers University, discussed global health trends and cancer prevention.

Research projects were evaluated by Professor Adekemi Olowokere of Obafemi Awolowo University and Dr Rafiat Anokwuru of Babcock University, ensuring high academic standards.

The event attracted notable guests from Lagos State’s health sector, including the Director of Nursing Services, Olusola Aketi, and representatives of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, underscoring the importance of research-driven healthcare policy.

Top honours went to students from Redeemer’s University and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). Redeemer’s University student Victor Saliu emerged as the overall winner, receiving ₦2 million for his project, while his classmate Uba Paul took third place with ₦250,000. The university’s Department of Nursing Science also received ₦1 million for its outstanding contribution. OAU students claimed second place, highlighting the institution’s strong research culture.

In his remarks, Victor Saliu said, “This is for every nurse who dreams of making a difference. Research helps us touch lives in new and powerful ways.” His colleague, Uba Paul, added, “Our mentors believed in us, and that belief pushed us beyond limits.”

The 2025 GLLIA Summit brought together participants from various universities, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and innovation. It reinforced the vital role of nursing research in transforming healthcare across Africa and celebrated the emergence of a new generation of nurse leaders dedicated to impact and excellence.