EBONYI STATE UNIVERSITY, ABAKALIKI

P.M.B 053
FACULTY OF SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(APPLIED BIOLOGY PROGRAM) 29/11/2023

The Administrator,
2024 AIDS Conference Scholarship,
International Aids Society,
Munich, Germany.
Dear Sir,

REFERENCE LETTER FOR IKEGWU CHUKWUDI MICHAEL

I am writing to highly recommend Ikegwu Chukwudi Michael as a candidate for the 2024 AIDS
Conference in Munich Germany. I have had the privilege of knowing Ikegwu for over eight years,
having witnessed his remarkable journey from a dedicated undergraduate student to a postgraduate
scholar making significant contributions to both academia and the field of literature.

Ikegwu's academic journey began at Ebonyi State University, where he displayed extraordinary
commitment and intellectual rigor. In 2018, he graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Applied
Biology, achieving the remarkable distinction of First Class honors. This early academic success served
as a precursor to the impressive trajectory he has continued to follow.

As a postgraduate student at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman in Indonesia,

Ikegwu has delved into the realms of research and academia with unwavering dedication. I have known
Michael to be a dedicated writer who used his arts to advocate for both those living with HIV and
equality. Suffice to this, Michael’s short-story titled ‘Beneath the Weight of Stigma” was selected and
published by International Human Rights Movement. The story delved into the life of a promising
young student who was stigmatized for being HIV+. Through being an advocate using his story, I
believe he is a strong candidate for this conference. More of his stories are needed to shape our society,
the way people think and relate with people living with HIV will change if he is giving an opportunity
to thrive.

Moreover, Ikegwu's literary and creative talents have garnered him acclaim both within and outside his
country. He has consistently excelled in literary competitions and earned awards for his work. His
involvement as a Fellow of the Ebedi International Writers Residency and the Imodoye Writers
Residency highlights his significance as a voice in literature. Again, his dedication to addressing
societal injustices and promoting positive change through literature is further exemplified by his
unpublished book, 'The Road to Discovery,' which won the prestigious "Zheng Nian Cup National
Literature Prize" in China. Additionally, his debut book, 'Undeserved,' serves as a course material in a
Federal University in Nigeria, testament to the impact of his literary contributions. Notably, Ikegwu
Chukwudi Michael's literary talents have transcended borders, making him the first African poet to be
published by the 'Caucasus Journal of Milton Studies' in Georgia, demonstrating the universal appeal
and significance of his work.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Ikegwu Chukwudi Michael for the AIDS 2024
(conference) scholarship in recognition of his exceptional academic achievements, his profound
contributions to the field of literature to advocate for HIV patients to eradicate stigmatization, and his
unwavering dedication to the preservation of endangered species. His diverse talents, global impact,
and unwavering commitment signify a promising and impactful career that continues to unfold.

Yours sincerely,

Professor, Oliver. O. Odikamnoro,

Department of Applied Biology,
Ebonyi State University, Nigeria.