Microbiologist, Immunologist, Cancer drug researcher, Vaccine researcher, and Phytochemist
My name is Adewole Monsuru Kehinde. I was born on 17th June 1998. I am a native of Ayetoro, Ogun State, Nigeria. I hail from the Yoruba tribe. I am a devout Muslim. I began my elementary education at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Mission School, Ayetoro, Ogun State, Nigeria (2004-2010). I attended Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro, Ogun State, Nigeria, where I sat for the West African Secondary Schools Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2016. As a result of my poor family background, I could not continue my education while my mates proceeded to University.
In 2016, I got a job as a classroom teacher in a private Primary School in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria; I left my hometown for the job where I spent 3 years in order to raise funds to continue my studies. In 2019, I got an admission into the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria, where I bagged National Diploma (ND) in Science Laboratory Technology with Upper credit in 2021. During my final year project, I worked on a thesis titled” Phytochemical and GC-MS analysis of Allium Sativum (Garlic) and Curcuma longa (Turmeric)” the research gave insight into the pharmaceutical use of the plants in curing Cancer, ever since then, I had liked to pursue a career in a cancer related field to help humanity, most especially African sufferers.
After graduating from school, I started a job in January 2022 as an intern veterinary microbiologist at Forieman agro resources limited, Ifo, Nigeria, as the requirement to be qualified for Higher National Diploma (HND) in the Polytechnic.
In the future, I had love to become a professor of immunology and Cancer biology and own a biotechnology company that carries out research on African plants for the discovery of novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and I hope to make cancer drugs accessible to African victims at affordable cost.
WiredUp had a Q & A session with Monsuru Adewole
Who is Monsuru Adewole; what is your background?
I am a biomedical student with an ardent interest in immunology, infectious diseases control, pharmacognosy, vaccine development, and Cancer drug design and discovery. I earned a National Diploma (ND) in Science Laboratory Technology from the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria, in the year 2021. I am currently serving as an intern veterinary microbiologist at Florieman agro resources Limited, Ifo, Nigeria.
I believe in capacity building and envision improving African healthcare industries through biotechnology and optimum drug delivery. I love the Black race and really wanted to offer help to them, particularly cancer sufferers from among them. In the coming years, I hope to discover new novel cancer therapeutics that will be accessible and affordable for African cancer victims.
Read more about Monsuru Adewole’s background in the above introduction
Give us an example of how you practically share your interest in STEM?
Well, I’m still a student in the learning process, but nevertheless, I have been able to contribute my quota to STEM. I have worked on two African plants with potential anticancer properties (Garlic and turmeric, to be specific) to develop anticancer drugs by targeting BAK protein and CASPASE-3. I also love discussing and motivating young ones about how sciences can change the world for the better.
What challenges have you faced as an African getting into STEM?
As an African, in getting into STEM, many challenges were faced. Firstly, I was not born with a platter of gold; funding my education was hard for me. Secondly, Peoples literacy about science is very minimal; Our parents don’t believe that sciences have a great impact on everything we do on a daily basis, they prefer their children to study medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and the like. I was disparaged for studying Science. I’m a victim of all of these. Becoming a scientist is hard on my own part.
How have you overcome, or are you working to overcome, some of these challenges?
I overwhelmed these challenges by changing people’s notions about science; I established in their minds that studying science does not mean you are dullard and studying medicine does not mean you are a fountain of knowledge; we can’t all be a medical doctor. Overall, I say positive things about science.
What achievement are you most proud of?
Being a scientist.
How do you think we can start to get more African children exposed to STEM?
By educating our parents about science, Introduction of science subjects in elementary Schools, Public sensitization, by organizing science exhibition shows on media (Television and radio).
What advice would you give to young people who are interested in the STEM field?
I saddled the young ones interested in the STEM field with the responsibility of exercising perseverance in all their doings. They should believe in themselves, and I also implore them to pursue their career, not their parent’s dictated careers. By so doing this, they will become the right version of themselves.
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