Erasmus Mundus SERP+ Scholar, Ademola from Nigeria, Now a CNRS Doctoral Candidate at the University of Haute-Alsace, France, Working on Advanced Battery Materials

My name is Ademola Toheeb Adeniji, and I am a CNRS doctoral candidate at the Institute of Materials Science Mulhouse (IS2M), University of Haute-Alsace, France. I contribute to the PEPR HIPOHYBAT battery project, focusing on the development of advanced carbon materials for high-powered hybrid sodium-ion batteries, also known as sodium-ion capacitors.

I was born and raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. I graduated from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, as the top student in the Chemical Engineering Department and the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. In January 2020, six months after completing my bachelor’s degree, I began a one-year M1 Master’s in Energy at CentraleSupélec School of Engineering, Paris-Saclay University, France, graduating with distinction. Additionally, I earned a double master’s degree in chemistry and Nanomaterials Science and Technology from Paris-Saclay University, France, and the University of Porto, Portugal, through the SERP+ Erasmus Program.

During my master’s thesis under the SERP+ program, I received the Institute of Sustainable Energy, Université Paris-Saclay Master 2 Research Grant. My research focused on supercapacitors using tetrazine-functionalized graphene, conducted at the Commission of Atomic Energy and Alternative Energy (CEA Saclay) and the Supramolecular and Macromolecular Photophysics and Photochemistry (PPSM) laboratory, Paris-Saclay, France. This work led to a publication and earned me the Master 2 Thesis Prize in Electrochemistry from the French Chemical Society (Electrochemistry Division).

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Details

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master SERP+ (Surface, Electro, Radiation and Photo-chemistry)

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degree SERP+, coordinated by Paris-Saclay University (France), for the academic years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. The first academic year started on September 1st, 2021 at Paris-Saclay University (Orsay, France) and finished on August 31st, 2023. SERP+ is based on a long-time partnership between 4 European universities: Paris-Saclay University – France (UPSaclay), University of Genoa – Italy (UniGe), Adam Mickiewicz University – Poland (AMU), University of Porto – Portugal (U.Porto). From 2025 onwards, a new partner – McGill University (Canada) join the consortium.

The aforementioned student has been selected by the EACEA (Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency of the European Commission) and will be offered an Erasmus+: Erasmus Mundus scholarship. This will be paid in different installments over the period from 09/2021 to 08/2023:

1) Monthly allowance: 1000€/month (x24)

2) Contribution to travel: 3000 €/ year (x2)

3) Contribution to installation and visa costs: 1000€ (x1)

4) Tuition fees: 6 575€/year(x2)

Total: 44 150€ for 2 years.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

1. Oct 2023 – Sep 2026 CNRS Doctoral Researcher (IS2M, University of Haute Alsace, France): CNRS Doctoral Researcher is a three-year doctoral funding position offered by the French National Centre of Scientific Research (CNRS) to a prospective PhD student in France. It supports their doctoral program in a CNRS-accredited research laboratory in France.
2. Apr 2021 – Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (University of Paris, France)
3. Apr 2021 – MIEM Excellence Scholar (University of Paris, France) - (8,000 €)
4. June 2020 – IDEX Excellence Scholar (Paris Saclay University, France) - (10,800 €)

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree (Chemical Engineering) – 4.83/5.0 (CGPA)

1. Nov 2020, Michael Taiwo Scholar (MT Scholar)
2. May 2020, I-Scholar Initiative scholar (ISI scholar)
3. Feb 2020, Best Graduating Student, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, LAUTECH
4. Feb 2020, Best Graduating Student, Department of Chemical Engineering, LAUTECH
5. Feb 2017, Seplat Petroleum Development Scholar – 2 consecutive years
6. Dec 2015, MTN Science and Engineering Scholar – 4 consecutive years

I have also been able to have extensive research, teaching, and leadership experience. I have also taken numerous online courses which helped me secure the SERP+ Erasmus scholarships.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Institutions?

I source most of my scholarship information from LinkedIn, Facebook, and WhatsApp by joining groups dedicated to scholarships. This keeps me updated on the latest scholarship opportunities.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I have taken both the GRE and TOEFL exams. To prepare effectively, start by registering for the exams early and taking the GRE PowerPrep 1 practice test. This test helps identify areas of the GRE that need focus to achieve a score above 300. For detailed guidance, read Sulaiman AbdulGafar’s document, *How I Got a 331 in the GRE*, available at https://www.scribd.com/document/423885220/How-i-Got-a-331-in-the-GRE. For TOEFL preparation, the YouTube channel NoteFull TOEFL Mastery is an excellent resource for achieving high scores: https://www.youtube.com/@NoteFullTOEFLMastery.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?

I contacted current scholars in the program to stay informed about document requirements and essay expectations. I thoroughly reviewed the program’s website to understand its expectations for prospective applicants. Additionally, I reached out to my recommenders well in advance.

How is (was) Your Experience at the Institutions?

My time as an Erasmus scholar in the SERP program was transformative and pivotal for my career. I had the privilege of studying at top European universities under leading professors in chemistry and nanomaterials. Beyond academics, I traveled across various European cities, immersing myself in diverse cultures and learning languages such as French, Portuguese, and Italian. During my third semester in Porto, I developed a strong interest in electrochemistry, particularly in using tailored materials for energy storage. This inspired me to pursue a master’s internship in this field, where I secured funding to research functionalized graphene materials as supercapacitor electrodes. This experience fueled my passion for energy storage, leading to my current doctoral research on developing advanced carbon materials for high-power sodium-ion capacitors and batteries.

How Do the Institutions Support International Students?

International students receive extensive support through the International Student Office, where staff assist with inquiries and questions. They also organize activities to help students connect with others. Additionally, the SERP program has dedicated managers who handle inquiries and provide assistance. The team is friendly, supportive, and always ready to help, making the experience truly remarkable!

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or French?

All classes are conducted in English, but French language courses are mandatory. Similarly, during my time in Portugal, we took Portuguese classes. My colleagues on the Italy mobility program also learned Italian.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing French?

International students in the SERP+ Erasmus program typically face no language barriers, as the program is fully taught in English. In Paris, basic French is useful for navigating the city, shopping, or communicating with bus drivers, though English is increasingly spoken there. During my mobility in Porto, I found the locals warm and fluent in English, so I had no concerns about not knowing Portuguese upon arrival.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Despite my strong academic profile, including a high GPA, ranking in the top 1% of my class, research experience, and publications, I believe what distinguished my application to the SERP+ Erasmus program was my unique background. Although I studied chemical engineering with a focus on math-related topics rather than extensive chemistry coursework, I proactively took online courses to cover key material relevant to the SERP+ opening semester. This preparation strengthened my application. Additionally, I wrote a compelling essay detailing my motivation, study path, and long-term goals, which I refined with the help of a highly proficient reviewer, a current student in the program. Their feedback was instrumental in making my application stand out.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I don’t think there’s anything I would have done differently in my scholarship journey. My pursuit began in my final year of high school when I learned about a student who won the prestigious MTN Science and Technology Scholarship for undergraduates in Nigeria. That story inspired me and laid the foundation for my long-term commitment to securing scholarships. During my undergraduate studies at LAUTECH, I worked hard to achieve a high CGPA. I also stayed in touch with mentors abroad who consistently shared valuable advice and information, which greatly supported my scholarship applications. If I could change one thing, it might be pursuing my undergraduate degree abroad to broaden my opportunities earlier.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

For prospective graduate students seeking scholarships, thorough preparation is key to standing out in competitive programs like Erasmus or other prestigious opportunities. Here’s a concise guide to enhance your application:

1. Organize Your Documents: Compile clear, high-quality PDF files of your transcripts, certificates, and other required documents. Ensure they are well-organized and error-free.
2. Secure Strong Recommendations: Choose recommenders who know you well and are eager to write detailed, personalized letters about your abilities and character. Never write your own recommendation letters, as authenticity is critical.
3. Take an English Proficiency Test: If finances is not a challenge, take an English test (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS) to strengthen your profile, especially as an international student.
4. Refine Your Essays: Have your motivation letter and essays reviewed by someone familiar with your target program or a past scholarship recipient. Their insights can help you tailor your application and prepare for interviews.
5. Apply Strategically: Focus on quality over quantity when selecting programs like Erasmus. Choose opportunities that align with your academic and professional profile and apply to a diverse range of programs across multiple countries rather than fixating them on one location.

Personal Insight from Winning the SERP+ Scholarship

My success came from connecting with a previous awardee who provided an overview of the program and reviewed my essay. I also took proactive steps to strengthen my application by enrolling in online courses for subjects not covered in my transcript, such as quantum mechanics. This helped me build foundational knowledge and demonstrate initiative in my Statement of Purpose (SOP). Additionally, I highlighted my efforts to learn a foreign language relevant to the program (e.g., French), which further boosted my application.

Final Advice: Stay persistent and confident. Keep applying, and one day, that acceptance email will arrive. You’ve got this!