Meet Ayo Otun – Nigerian Student Who Won IUPUI (USA) Most Outstanding Student 2016

Meet Ayodamola Otun, the Nigerian student who won IUPUI’s (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, USA) Most Outstanding Student for 2016. Ayo, as he likes to be called, major in Biology. He has received many scholarships and academic awards.

Here are a few:

1. IUPUI University College Chancellor Scholar | 2015
2. Norman Brown Diversity and Leadership Scholar | March 2015
3. Olaniyan Diversity Research Scholar | May 2015
4. Sam H. Jones Community Service Scholar |August 2015
5. Richard O McCracken Award for Outstanding Biology
6. Ronald E. Kirk Outstanding Freshman Biology Student
7. Dean’s Highest Honors List | Spring 2014, 2015; Fall 2015

Ayo is very involved on campus: University College Student Council, African Student Association, International Club, Pre Med Club, Biology Tutor, Mentor for a psychology class, had an Life Health Science Internship and many more. Receiving the IUPUI’s Most Outstanding Student award was his proudest moment as a student at IUPUI. He will be graduating in May 2017.

When asked why he decided to study at IUPUI, he said it was because of the diversity at the university. “It has a rich community of students from a variety of country, culture and background. It is also an Urban campus surrounded by a lot of companies such as Eli Lilly. These companies are sites for internships and many other opportunities” he said.

Here is his response to a few other questions he was asked by IUPUI International Student Ambassadors.

Tell us more about being a Top 100 student at IUPUI?

Being a Top 100 student at IUPUI means of the over 22000 students at IUPUI, you are one of the 100 most outstanding students. It means you have taken advantage of the opportunities that IUPUI provides. It means you have succeeded academically. It means you have civic engagement and have offered service to IUPUI and its community. It means you are involved in extra-curricular activities on the campus. It is a great honor.

How will study at IUPUI help you reach your future goals?

I want to become a neurosurgeon and researcher in neurobiology. At IUPUI, I have been able to complete pre-requisites to apply to medical school. I also got opportunities to explore both careers through research, internship and shadowing. I actually discovered my passion for research through my involvement in research through research programs at IUPUI. IUPUI has helped me develop into an all-rounded student.

What advice or encouragement would you give to international students who are considering coming to IUPUI?

Do not limit yourself. Get involved as much as possible. It will help you create a network system. Seek assistance if you need assistance, it will make college easier than it seems. Have fun and do what you are passionate about while also being open minded and trying out new things and opportunities.

See IUPUI scholarship for international students.

We are proud of Ayo and other African students making headlines for their outstanding academic and leadership performance abroad. Indeed Africa is grooming the next generation of leaders.