The DAAD Prize for Outstanding Achievements by International Students was created by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to give a face to the many international students studying at German universities and to learn more about their life stories. In summer semester 2020, HAW Hamburg welcomed 162 visiting international students and 189 regular international students from around the world. These students are willing to engage with a different language, a different country and a different university culture, and they enrich our campus. With this scholarship, German universities recognise excellent students who work actively to help others and who bring intercultural exchange at our universities to life. This year at HAW Hamburg, this person is Abdulsalam Orire Mashood from Lagos, Nigeria.
Since winter semester 2018/19, Abdulsalam Mashood has been studying towards a Master’s degree in Renewable Energy Systems in the Faculty of Life Sciences. Although he initially took on a job as an engineer in the oil and gas industry in his home country after completing his Bachelor’s degree, climate change and the transition to sustainable energy continued to be a focus. He saw advances in this area in Germany and decided to study at HAW Hamburg because of the applied approach of the Competence Center for Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency. He also found it fitting that Hamburg is considered a green city.
President Micha Teuscher presented Abdulsalam Mashood with the DAAD award at a small ceremony on 8 September. In his congratulatory remarks, he explained the choice as follows: ‘In just two years in Hamburg, Mr Mashood has not only stood out through hard work, motivation and exceptional academic achievement, but has also demonstrated significant social and intercultural commitment and continuing professional development. He is characterised by his open, enthusiastic and courteous manner, which is praised by fellow students, colleagues and supervisors alike. Only a short time after his arrival in Hamburg, he made it his task to support international students. He became involved in the weBuddy programme and supported the International Office in carrying out the Welcome Weeks for international students at HAW Hamburg. He is also active in the Nigerian Scholars in Germany association as well as in AIESEC, which is the largest international student organisation and organises placements for young people in professional internships and charitable projects worldwide.’ Abdulsalam Mashood has already received two excellence scholarships from the HAW Hamburg International Office, and in summer semester this year he was also awarded a well-earned scholarship for exceptional social commitment.
What he particularly likes about our university is the welcoming culture for international students. He was contacted even before his arrival and informed in detail about the programmes and services available. During his studies he’s felt comfortable and like he’s in good hands: whether in their studies or day-to-day life, HAW Hamburg provides students with support for all situations. Once he’s completed his Master’s degree, Abdulsalam Mashood aims to specialise in the development and implementation of projects in the area of renewable energies and energy storage. He is optimistic that his practice-oriented degree course at HAW Hamburg has prepared him well for this type of position.
We are very proud that Abdulsalam Mashood decided to study at HAW Hamburg and wish him all the best for the rest of his studies, his career and his personal life!
Information about the DAAD Prize
Author: Maike K. Lempka
