Olatoye Babatunde, a 24-year-old Nigerian studying in Nanjing, takes the temperature of a resident during in his time volunteering at a local residential community in February. [Photo/cnsphoto.com]

Olatoye Babatunde, a 24-year-old Nigerian majoring in pharmaceutical engineering at the Nanjing University of Science and Technology in East China's Jiangsu province, volunteered to assist medical workers in the fight against COVID-19 in February, Xinhua News Agency reported on June 16.

Wearing a protective suit and mask and holding a thermometer in his hand, Babatunde has been taking temperatures and documenting travel information of residents at the local Shenpan Residential Community.

"Actually at that time [in February], my mother had no idea about me volunteering in Nanjing. She often called me, worrying about the epidemic and urging me to be careful. As a medical student, I knew that as long as I was protected, the virus was not a danger," Babatunde said.

The young Nigerian said he was inspired by Chinese medical workers on the frontlines at the beginning of the outbreak, and so he decided to lend a hand.

"The Chinese government has done a great job. COVID-19 is an international challenge, and we should work together to fight it rather than pointing fingers," Babatunde said.

He has completed his thesis defense online and is applying to continue his master's study at NJUST.

"I want to be a medical worker and contribute to the health of human beings," Babatunde said.