From Nigeria to SFedU — Elijah Olumodeji's story
Today we аre talking to Elijah Olanrewaju Olumodeji — an Open Doors Olympiad winner and master's student in Language Teaching in the Modern Digital Era at SFedU. Originally from Nigeria, Elijah shares his experience of winning Open Doors, his first impressions of Taganrog, and what it's like to study language teaching in the digital age. Let's hear his story!
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from originally, and what was your academic background before coming to Russia?
My name is Elijah Olanrewaju Olumodeji, and I am from Magongo, a small town in Kogi State, Nigeria. Before coming to Russia, I built my career in education as a Physicist, Linguistic, Digital Technologist and an Educational Mentor. I served as a Teaching Fellow during my two year Teach For Nigeria Fellowship programme, where I taught mathematics, English Language and Basic Science and Technology to less privileged children in underserved communities. I also worked with the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission as a Physics/Digital Technology teacher. I worked as a Venue Staff with the British Council, where I am serving as an Exams Invigilator for international exams such as IELTS, IGCSE, etc. Aside the aforementioned, I also initiated and founded the Hope4Kids Foundation, a Be The Change Project which focuses on providing quality and equitable education to children in line with sustainable development goal (SDG 4).
Beyond the classroom, I also mentored educators through the HP-Mentor A Teacher (HP-MAT) programme by 1 Million Teachers and participated in international education initiatives such as the Skills Builder Global Impact Fellowship. These experiences strengthened my passion for educational innovation and convinced me that technology has the power to transform learning when used effectively.
Your program is called Language Teaching in the Modern Digital Era. What attracted you to this particular track?
What attracted me most was the combination of language education and digital technology. I have a background Physics and Education with a deep passion for educational technology, so I was looking for a programme that would allow me to integrate technology with modern language teaching.
The fact that the programme is being taught entirely in English was also very important because it will enable me to study complex academic concepts without a language barrier while gradually learning Russian language as an elective course and outside the classroom through other sources and digital resources.
I also appreciate that the programme is research oriented. It encourages not only to become better teachers but also to investigate how digital tools can improve learning outcomes. My current research focuses on using apps and online platforms to teach English phonetics in EFL classrooms, which aligns perfectly with both my academic interests and professional experience.
You came to Russia through the Open Doors Olympiad. Could you walk us through that experience?
I first learned about the Open Doors Olympiad through a friend who is also an Open Doors winner studying in RUDN Moscow. After researching the competition, I realized it was an excellent opportunity to study at one of Russia's leading universities on a fully funded scholarship.
The competition itself was quite challenging. It tested not only subject knowledge but also critical thinking, academic writing, and the ability to solve educational problems. Preparing for it required discipline and consistency. When I received the news that I had won, I was incredibly grateful. It felt like months of preparation had finally paid off. It wasn't just a personal achievement; it represented an opportunity to continue my education at an international level. Of course, the journey wasn't without challenges. Preparing documents, obtaining visas, and relocating to a completely different country required patience and careful planning. But looking back, every challenge was worthwhile because it led me to this wonderful opportunity at Southern Federal University, Rostov-On-Don/Taganrog.
Let's go back to your very first days in Russia, and specifically in Taganrog. What was your first impression of this city?
My first impression of Taganrog was that it is a peaceful, beautiful, and historically rich city. Coming from Nigeria, I immediately noticed the calm atmosphere and the organized environment. Another unforgettable experience was seeing snow for the first time. Immediately I came out of DME Airport in Moscow, a very chilled winter cold hit me and I thought someone actually hit me with a cold blow on my back head. I had to turn back to be sure before I realized that I was hit by the winter cold. It was freezing cold. It was exciting because it was completely different from the tropical climate I grew up in.
What impressed me even more was the kindness of many people I met. Although there was a language barrier at first, I found that many students, lecturers, and residents were willing to help whenever I needed assistance. Over time, Taganrog began to feel less like a foreign city and more like a second home.
Now that you're in the program, how does it match your expectations?
One aspect I appreciate is the balance between theory and practice. We don't simply learn teaching methods; we critically examine educational research and discuss how theories can be applied in real classrooms. My Thesis Supervisor, Professor Yulia Vladimirovna Privalova, is a great mentor. She is always critically examining every work and ensures that you achieve the best result. I am very happy to have her as my thesis supervisor.
The teaching style is somewhat different from what I experienced back home. There is a strong emphasis on independent learning, academic research, presentations, and scholarly discussions. Students are encouraged to question ideas, analyze evidence, and contribute their own perspectives. This approach has significantly improved my academic writing, research skills, and confidence as both an educator and a researcher.
What about life outside the classroom?
I believe university life extends beyond lectures and I would say with one hundred percent certainty that Southern Federal University blends campus life not just with academic activities alone, but with life outside and beyond the four walls of the classroom, such as excursions, field trips, conferences, seminars, debates and competitions, sports and games, etc.
Since arriving at SFedU, I have actively participated in academic conferences, research activities, and international educational events. I have presented my research on digital tools for teaching English pronunciation and have had opportunities to collaborate with fellow students and researchers from different countries. Outside academics, I enjoy participating in cultural exchange programmes and educational volunteering whenever possible. These activities have allowed me to learn more about Russian culture while also sharing Nigerian culture with others. One of the greatest strengths of SFedU is its international environment. Every interaction becomes an opportunity for intercultural learning.
Your studies are in English, but you live in Russia. How is your Russian coming along?
My Russian is improving gradually. I know a few hundred phrases. I can now manage many everyday situations independently, such as shopping, using public transportation, ordering food, and handling basic conversations. For more specialized situations, such as visiting a clinic or completing administrative procedures, I sometimes still rely on translation apps or assistance from Russian friends. However, each month I become more confident. Living in Russia has been the best language classroom because every day provides opportunities to practice.
What's one Russian dish you've grown to love? And what's the one dish from your home country that you miss the most?
I haven’t really tried much of Russian meals, but I have tried Russian plov (jollof rice), blini, and some other dishes which I can’t remember the names right now. From Nigeria, the dish I miss the most is pounded yam with egusi soup with goat meat. It's one of our most popular meals and reminds me of family gatherings and celebrations. I've tried recreating it in Russia using manka, but ... (the rest is story). While it may not taste exactly like home, it's always satisfying to prepare a meal that reminds me of Nigeria.
Looking back at your move to Russia, what's one thing you're really glad you packed?
I'm very glad I brought my laptop. As someone researching digital education, it's probably my most important academic tool. Nearly everything I do, from research and lesson planning to presentations and online collaboration, depends on it. One thing I wish I had brought is a larger supply of some Nigerian spices and local food ingredients. Although some African products are available in Russia, they're not always easy to find, especially outside larger cities.
After you graduate, what's your plan?
My long-term goal is to contribute to improving education through digital innovation. I hope to continue researching educational technology while applying what I have learned to teacher training and language education. Whether that involves returning to Nigeria, pursuing doctoral studies, working internationally, or collaborating across countries, I want my career to focus on expanding access to quality education through technology. This master's programme will provide me with strong research skills, international experience, and intercultural competence that will undoubtedly open many professional opportunities in the future.
Finally, imagine there's a student from your country thinking about applying to SFedU. What would you say to them?
I would tell them to be courageous and embrace the opportunity. Studying abroad is exciting, but it also requires resilience, adaptability, and an open mind. Learn some basic Russian before you arrive, it will make daily life much easier. Be ready to experience a different educational culture where independent learning and research are highly valued. Most importantly, don't limit yourself to the classroom. Attend conferences, participate in university activities, make friends from different countries, and explore Russian culture. Those experiences are just as valuable as your academic degree.
For me, studying at Southern Federal University is much more than earning a master's degree. It is a journey of personal growth, professional development, and global perspective, and I would encourage any motivated student to consider taking that step. Last but not the least, there is a saying that, “When you are in Rome you have to behave like a Roman.” My special advice to incoming students, “When you are in Russia you have to behave like a Russian.” You must learn, unlearn and relearn.
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Thank you, Elijah, for sharing your story and your honest answers! We wish you continued success in your studies and research at SFedU.
Stay with SFedU Voices — more stories about international students, academic life, and opportunities at Southern Federal University are coming soon.