10/07/2021

DAAD Prize 2021: Joy Okundia convinces the jury

Every year, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences presents the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) award for outstanding academic achievements and social commitment. This year it goes to Bachelor student Joy Okundia for her very good performance in her studies as well as her commitment to other students and the academic community.

The outstanding term and project papers written by Joy Okundia in the International Business Administration course are not regarded as private property. Instead the student from Nigeria shares her results on open source platforms and in social media - an enrichment for the scientific community. Furthermore, she supports the "Pan African Organization" and helps new students to settle in and study in Germany. At “United Nations Women”, she campaigns for equality and against discrimination, organises events and supports the organisation's social media activities.

Prof. Dr Daniel Scheible nominated Okundia for the 1,000 euro prize and is delighted that his student was chosen. Okundia made the most of her potential in the course of her studies and was also extremely dedicated during the corona-related digital semesters. With her outstanding commitment, she convinced all along the line, said Prof. Dr. Tatiana Zimenkova, Vice President for International Affairs and Diversity. She awarded the student with the certificate in a virtual ceremony earlier this week. "We are very proud and happy to have students like you."

The student was very touched by the award. "It is like a dream come true," she said. She expressed her gratitude for the constant support she received from her fellow students, her professors and the student advisory service. She feels encouraged by the award and now wants to pass this strength on to other students.