A brilliant Nigerian engineer named Feyisayo Akinwande has achieved remarkable academic success in the United States, earning both a master’s degree and a PhD in Engineering with fully funded tuition at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, USA.
His journey reflects excellence, persistence, and the power of academic growth from Nigeria to international opportunities.
Feyisayo's Story and How He Did It
Feyisayo began his academic journey at University of Ibadan, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Production Engineering in 2015.
After gaining further experience, he returned to the university in 2018 to pursue a Master of Science degree in Industrial and Production Engineering.
Through hard work and consistency, he graduated in 2021 with distinction, earning grades strong enough to position him for doctoral studies. Instead of proceeding immediately to a PhD in Nigeria, Feyisayo began pursuing international academic opportunities.
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In 2022, he secured admission into a fully funded PhD program in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech’s Occupational Ergonomics and Biomechanics Laboratory.
Speaking about the opportunity at the time, Feyisayo described it as a dream come true.
“I am excited about this opportunity, and I look forward to conducting cutting-edge novel research that would bring about innovative solutions to suboptimal design issues, occupational accidents, and motion injuries that are imperative to enrich occupational safety and health across the globe,” he said.
He also encouraged students seeking scholarships abroad not to stop believing in themselves. “While you await that scholarship, ensure you make room for improvement by gaining relevant skills,” he added.
At Virginia Tech, Feyisayo first completed a Master of Engineering degree before progressing fully into his doctoral studies in Industrial and Systems Engineering.
Over the years, his journey involved intense research work, conference presentations, lab projects, revisions, and long nights of study. Despite the challenges, he remained focused and resilient.
Now in 2026, Feyisayo has successfully completed his PhD and has officially been hooded as a doctor of philosophy in Engineering.
Reflecting on the achievement, he shared an emotional message about how transformative the journey had been. “What a journey this has been,” Feyisayo wrote.
“This journey was never just about earning another degree. It was about growth, purpose, impact, and becoming a better version of myself through every challenge and opportunity along the way,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to his advisor, his committee members, colleagues, family, wife, mentors, and everyone who supported him throughout the process. Walking across the stage, he said, reminded him of every difficult phase he had overcome.
“There were moments that tested me mentally, emotionally, professionally, and personally. Moments where the finish line felt very far away. But through faith, discipline, consistency, support, and determination, I kept moving forward.”
Feyisayo also encouraged students currently pursuing advanced degrees or difficult goals to remain determined despite obstacles.
“To anyone currently pursuing an advanced degree or challenging goal, keep going. The process may test and stretch you, but do not give up on yourself. Sometimes the journey that challenges you the most becomes the journey that shapes you the most,” Feyisayo encouraged.
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