The Chegg.org Global Student Prize, a prestigious annual award of $100,000, recognizes an exceptional student who has demonstrated a profound impact on learning, their peers, and society at large. In 2025, three remarkable Nigerian students, Daniel Itegboje, Israel Smart, and Titilope Olotu, have been named among the top 50 nominees, selected from a pool of nearly 11,000 nominations and applications spanning 148 countries. Their achievements reflect a dedication to addressing critical social issues, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering positive change within their respective fields.
Titilope Olotu, a Nigerian immigrant studying Biology and Public Health at the University of California, Los Angeles on a full-ride scholarship, has dedicated her efforts to improving menstrual hygiene and access to education for young girls in Nigeria. She founded PERIOD PADI, a non-profit organization that has provided sanitary pads and essential menstrual health education to over 10,000 girls. Through innovative fundraising initiatives, including the development and distribution of a digital guidebook, Olotu has successfully raised over $12,350 to support this crucial work. Her dedication to breaking down societal stigmas surrounding menstruation and empowering young women to pursue their education underscores her commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
Daniel Itegboje, a medical student at the University of Benin in Edo State, Nigeria, has combined his passion for medicine with a powerful storytelling ability through documentary filmmaking. As co-founder of 3WM Productions, Itegboje has created compelling narratives that shed light on critical issues affecting vulnerable populations. His documentaries focus on themes such as health equity, youth vulnerability, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. By giving voice to the marginalized and raising awareness about pressing social concerns, Itegboje exemplifies the potential of storytelling to catalyze meaningful change and promote a deeper understanding of complex social dynamics.
Israel Smart, an Engineering student at the African Leadership University, has demonstrated a profound commitment to expanding access to STEM education for children across Africa. He founded OneChild Africa, a non-profit organization that has reached over 49,000 children in six countries through STEM education programs, mentorship initiatives, and scholarships. Smart’s organization has not only built learning hubs but also facilitated the return of over 2,000 children to school. His commitment to fostering a love for science and technology extends to underserved rural communities through the innovative DREAM SPACE initiative, a mobile STEM lab that brings hands-on science experiences directly to children in remote areas.
The achievements of these three Nigerian students exemplify the transformative power of education, innovation, and a deep-seated commitment to social impact. Their recognition among the top 50 nominees for the Chegg.org Global Student Prize is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the potential of young people to address complex global challenges. Their diverse backgrounds, unique skill sets, and unwavering commitment to creating a better future serve as an inspiration to students and aspiring changemakers worldwide.
Nathan Schultz, President and CEO of Chegg, Inc., expressed his admiration for the nominees, specifically highlighting Daniel Itegboje and Israel Smart. He commended their dedication to creating positive change, emphasizing Chegg’s commitment to supporting and celebrating these “changemakers” who are actively building a better world, rather than simply imagining it. This recognition from a global educational technology company underscores the significant contribution of these young leaders to their communities and the potential of their work to inspire broader societal transformation.
The stories of Titilope Olotu, Daniel Itegboje, and Israel Smart highlight the remarkable impact that individual initiative and dedication can have on addressing critical social issues. From promoting menstrual health education to empowering youth through storytelling and expanding access to STEM education, these young Nigerians represent a new generation of leaders who are actively shaping a brighter future. Their nomination for the Chegg.org Global Student Prize serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of education and the vital role that young people play in shaping a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.