The European Union-funded programme will see Badekale undertake a two-year study across three leading European universities: Université Côte d’Azur in France, University of Genoa in Italy, and University of Osnabrück in Germany. The interdisciplinary curriculum covers frontier areas of research such as Membrane Biology, Neuroscience, and Experimental Medicine, preparing scholars for careers in advanced biomedical science, research, and policymaking.
Announcing the news on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Badekale reflected on his journey with gratitude and faith. “2025 has been amazing in every way! Pleased to announce the next step in my journey: selected as the only Nigerian and West African for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Biomembranes, studying across three world-class universities in France, Italy and Germany,” he wrote.
Looking back on his humble beginnings, he shared, “As I look back, I see a young boy from Mushin, with a big dream: to explore the world and make a positive impact on the world. And today, by God’s faithfulness, that dream is gradually becoming a reality. Truly, with God, every dream is achievable, even those that seem impossible.”
Beyond celebrating his personal success, Badekale used the announcement to inspire young people. He urged students to hold fast to education as a tool for transformation: “Education isn’t a scam. It’s a weapon. Use it. Come out with the best grades possible, strive for excellence, because education is still one of the most powerful keys to move from your local community to the global stage.”
His selection for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Plus programme reinforces his standing as one of Nigeria’s brightest young scholars. The programme is designed to develop globally minded experts who can contribute to biomedical innovation and decision-making at international levels.
Badekale, who was UNILAG’s 2023/2024 Overall Best Graduating Student and Best in Sciences, continues to embody the power of academic excellence, resilience, and vision—qualities that have positioned him on the global stage.