By Esther Samson
The Research and Education for Nigerian Undergraduates (RENEU) Program has officially announced the opening of applications for its 2025 cohort, inviting high-achieving Nigerian students to participate in an 8–10-week virtual research experience.
Designed to prepare participants for advanced graduate studies, the program focuses on computational research, offering skills and exposure that can contribute to global advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence, energy, medicine, and materials science.
The program is open to Nigerian students in their fourth or fifth year of study at universities across the country, pursuing degrees in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, or Materials Science/Engineering.
To be eligible, applicants must be on track to achieve a First Class or Second Class Upper degree and demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing graduate studies in the United States.
Scheduled to run from late June to late August 2025, the program pairs participants with top US-based research labs, where they will collaborate with esteemed mentors, including Professor Chibueze Amanchukwu and Professor Shirley Meng of the University of Chicago.
The initiative will culminate in an in-person presentation workshop in September 2025, where participants will present their research findings to peers, mentors, and other stakeholders.
RENEU provides in-kind support for graduate school applications, covering application fees, GRE testing, and reviews, making it a comprehensive support system for students aspiring to further their academic careers.
Although the program is unpaid, participants will benefit from access to advanced computational resources and expert mentorship, ensuring a rich and impactful research experience.
Now in its third year, RENEU has successfully trained students from leading Nigerian universities such as the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, and the University of Benin.
Previous alumni have gone on to pursue prestigious global research and academic opportunities.
The program is funded by UChicago Global, the US National Science Foundation CAREER Award, and the US Department of Energy Early Career Award.
The application deadline for the 2025 cohort is March 3, 2025.
Finalists will be selected through a virtual interview process, with successful applicants gaining an invaluable opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in their respective fields.
Although currently focused on Nigerian students, RENEU organizers are planning to expand the program to other African countries in the coming years, with the aim of increasing African representation in global scientific research.
Students interested in computational research, molecular dynamics simulations, data science, and AI are strongly encouraged to apply for this transformative opportunity.
