GoodHeart | UWI student Joseph Udoudo shines at GK Scholars’ Awards
Published:Saturday | October 11, 2025 | 12:08 AMRollesha Laing/Assistant Lifestyle and Entertainment Editor
When Joseph Udoudo heard his name called a second time at the GraceKennedy (GK) Foundation 2025 Scholars’ Awards Ceremony, a wide smile spread across his face. Making his way to the front of LT-50 at the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica, he admitted later that this was one recognition he hadn’t expected.
His name was already in the programme as the winner of the 2025 GK/Douglas Orane Scholarship, having advanced from a merit awardee in the Jamaica Scholarship category last year. But the evening held another surprise. He was also one of three scholars recognised for outstanding academic performance, earning a special award for achieving a GPA above 4.0.
“It was pretty unexpected, but I am grateful for it,” the 19-year-old told GoodHeart of the special award.
Udoudo was among the 90 students honoured at Thursday’s ceremony. For him, the moment he received the call that he had been selected as this year’s Douglas Orane Scholar felt like a full-circle experience.
“Honestly, I was at home and I saw the call but I didn’t recognise the number. Anyways, I picked up the call and heard that I won, and I almost jumped out of my chair,” Udoudo shared, laughing at the moment. “It was really exciting because I was really stressed during the whole thing, like from the interview prep and the waiting period so it was a relief to get the call,” he added, noting that the award eases a huge financial burden.
The Douglas Orane Scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing studies in STEM at the University of the West Indies, Mona or UTech and is valued at $500,000 annually. Udoudo, now in his second year at UWI, is majoring in computer science with a minor in electronics. When asked why he chose that field, his answer was simple: he believes “that a lot of problems we have in the world can be solved through tech”.
“Over the summer for a [regional] competition I made a bus tracking app because at the moment in the JUTC system a lot of people are waiting around and not knowing where the bus is. I was able to recognise that as a problem because I experienced it for seven years in high school. So through the power of tech and computer science, I was able to create something to solve an everyday problem,” Udoudo explained, adding that while the app isn’t officially out, he hopes to develop it further in the future.
When it comes to inspiration, the volunteer GK tutor said his peers and friends motivate him daily, emphasising the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded people. As he spoke about his passions and the support he receives from his parents, his father, Precious Udoudo, stood nearby, watching with quiet pride.
“The dream of every parent is to see their child or children in this atmosphere. It’s more than money, it’s the joy...it’s my joy, my dream. Seeing someone coming from my [blood]...” Precious Udoudo paused, chuckling, “... being honoured gives me satisfaction and that’s why I encourage him and I support him. The sacrifice I’ve made, I know he deserves it.”
This year’s ceremony also marked the introduction of the inaugural GK/Don Wehby Scholarship, presented to UWI medical student Justin Preddie, while Alva McGrath received the merit award.