The Emmanuel Osemota Foundation (EOF) has celebrated the outstanding achievements of 20 exceptional medical students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU) in Edo State.

These top performers were honoured with a stethoscope each in recognition of their remarkable success in the Part 1 MBBS examination at the College of Medicine.

Rooted in the legacy of Dr. Samuel Uwa Osemota and Prof. Lucy Amadin Osemota, esteemed educators and pioneers in their own right and graduates of the University of Tennessee, the award seeks to honour and empower exceptional students and educators across Edo State every year.

By acknowledging the academic excellence of these talented students, the stethoscope presentation ceremony was a powerful reminder of the importance of dedication, perseverance and a passion for medical knowledge.

The stethoscope, a symbol of the medical profession, represents the commitment and responsibility that these future healthcare professionals will undertake.

The stethoscope awards termed Dr. Samuel Uwa and Prof. Lucy Amadin Osemota Memorial awards was organised by the EOF to honour the parents of the founder, who both exemplified a profound commitment to nurturing excellence in varsity students.

As the 20 exceptional students received their stethoscopes, their achievements serve as an inspiration to their peers and future generations, reminding them that with hard work, determination, and a passion for knowledge, anything is possible.

Reacting to the gesture, one of the beneficiaries, Marvellous Osayande, said: “For me personally, receiving such appreciation is incredibly humbling and uplifting. It’s a reminder that even in the face of difficulties, there are still people who recognise and celebrate the contributions of others. So, it’s really a lot for me.”

This year marks a significant revival of the awards by EOF, reinforcing its promise to empower and equip the top 20 medical students yearly with premier stethoscopes, symbolising the foundation’s steadfast devotion to cultivating the next generation of compassionate healthcare professionals.

The founder and U.S.-based epidemiologist, Emmanuel Osemota, said: “We continue my parents’ legacy by bestowing these medical students with the prestigious memorial award of stethoscopes.

“Through this accolade, we also provide the students with the essential tools to unlock their potential and inspire future generations.”

The founder also described the occasion as the foundation’s steadfast commitment to instilling purpose and responsibility in future healthcare leaders.

“Health and education are the bedrock of a thriving society. By investing in the education and professional development of these students, we lay the groundwork for sustainable community development and prosperity,” Osemota emphasised.

He reiterated their resolve to uplift underserved communities in Nigeria, advocating for access to high-quality healthcare and educational opportunities.

One of the sponsors, Dr. Uyioghosa Osemota, admitted the role of her parents in championing academic excellence.

“Having been raised by parents who deeply valued education, I’m grateful that my brother and I can now provide the same opportunity for others, especially those pursuing careers as future doctors.”

On her part, the Ag Provost, College of Medicine, AAU, Dr. Esther Okogbeni, said the awards would go a long way to inspire the students to put their best foot forward and achieve more in their academics.

Former Provost of the College of Medicine, AAU, Prof. Samuel Iyalomhe, praised the foundation for the awards, saying: “The meaning is to reward excellence and inspire the next generation.  That is the objective of this foundation. The inspirers, Dr. & Prof. (Mrs) Osemota, were achievers, academic giants and remarkable in every aspect of life. This is a very good way of immortalising them.

“Through initiatives like the Dr. Samuel Uwa and Prof. Lucy Amadin Osemota Memorial Awards, the foundation continues to blaze a trail towards a brighter and more equitable future, enriching lives and leaving an indelible legacy for generations to come.”