For the second year in a row, a Nigerian PhD student Ugochukwu Madu has been awarded the Departmental Certificate of Recognition by the School of Journalism and Mass Communication in University of Iowa, United States of America.
Madu received the 2025 certificate during the SJMC-BCS Joint Spring Graduation Ceremony in May, in honour of his university-wide First-Generation Student Achievement Award, solidifying his place as one of the university’s most accomplished international scholars.
The certificate is one of the institution’s most competitive recognitions for students who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree. It honours an undergraduate and a graduate student who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community impact.
Before now, Madu earned the same certificate for securing two prestigious research grants: the Graduate Engagement Corps (GEC) Research Grant and the Stanley Award for International Research in April 2024. Both grants funded his research project on public health misinformation surrounding Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and the cultural Ọgbanje myth in southeastern Nigeria.
The certificates, presented by the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, are awarded to students whose achievements bring distinction to the department and university. Madu, who is pursuing a PhD in Mass Communication with a concentration in Health Communication, was recognised in both instances not only for academic brilliance but also for research that bridges scholarly work and social impact.
Speaking after the 2025 recognition ceremony on 29 April, Madu said, “These honours go beyond my name. They reflect the power of resilience, purpose, and the responsibility to use knowledge in service of others. I’m proud to carry my Nigerian roots into every milestone.”
The GEC and Stanley awards, both received in early 2024, supported Madu’s fieldwork and community-based health communication study in Nigeria focused on addressing public health misinformation. Meanwhile, the 1stGen@Iowa Award, announced in March 2025, recognised his broader contributions to mentorship, advocacy, and first-generation student leadership at the University.
Together, these recognitions underscore Madu’s enduring commitment to academic excellence and societal impact and reflect the growing influence of Nigerian scholars on the global academic stage.
