An Alumna of the Federal University of Technology Akure FUTA, Saidat Rasaq-Balogun has bagged the 2024 Distinguished Student Award from the Southern Illinois University (SIU), in the United States of America.
Rasaq-Balogun, alongside seven others , got the award for outstanding contributions and making in part on campus and their communities in various fields and endeavors. According to the Statement from the University’s President Dan Mahony, “SIU is proud to have so many wonderfully accomplished students who are not only making a major impact on campus but also in the greater communities.”
The Citation conferring the award on Rasaq-Balogun, who is currently studying for her PhD at the American University reads, “Saidat is working towards her Ph.D. in environmental resource and policy at SIU and previously studied in Nigeria. She has made a tremendous mark at SIU as a teacher, researcher and volunteer. Serving international students is a key part of Saidat’s life at SIU. On campus, she works with numerous organizations that are focused on helping international and African students. She is currently the VP of the SIU International Student Council. Saidat’s service even extends to her home, where she often provides temporary housing to international students as they arrive or if they face challenges. She makes inclusivity a top priority as she takes the initiative to ensure that international students can find communities where they belong at SIU.”
The Students Advisory Committee for the SIU System , SACSS under the aegis of the The Southern Illinois University System Board of Trustees, which administers the award , received applications from across the system and selected one undergraduate student and one graduate from across faculties with Razak- Balogun , who made a first-class in Meteorological and Climate Science from FUTA as one of them.
“On behalf of the SIU Board of Trustees, I want to congratulate and thank these students for their outstanding achievements and for being such wonderful examples of what SIU stands for. We know these students will be great assets to the professional workforce, and SIU is proud to provide educational opportunities to help them develop and grow,”, SIU Board of Trustees Vice Chair Dr. Ed Hightower.
said why speaking on the award.
The Vice Chancellor of FUTA ,Professor Adenike Oladiji has congratulated Rasaq-Balogun on the award saying she has joined the growing number of FUTA Alumni excelling in various fields nationally and on the global stage.
“On behalf of our great University, I congratulate Saidat Rasaq-Balogun on her award. She has earned her badge as a worthy ambassador of FUTA , we wish her more wins and greater strides and accomplishments in her current and future endeavors,” the Vice Chancellor Stated.
