The Renewed Hope Initiative, a pet project of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu has offered scholarships to 200 Nigerian students.
The move which aimed at boosting the number of Nigerian Youths to have access to qualitative education is in partnership with various National and International organizations.
The 200 beneficiaries of the AUDA-NEPAD/African School of Economics/ RHI Scholarships were unveiled at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady reiterated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu will continue to prioritize education as evident in the various policies and programmes it is implementing in the sector.
‘The administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has done so much in the education sector.
‘The recent zero interest Student’s Loans scheme, bursary and scholarship awards to students, and various education infrastructure development projects, are all geared towards providing unhindered access to education for every
Nigerian student.
‘Last year, the Renewed Hope Initiative under its National Scholarship Programme (RHI-NASP) gave scholarships to the tune of N1,000,000 per annum for four years and a brand new laptop to students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
‘This is to assist the students with tuition fees, books, and other educational expenses. The second tranche of payment for the beneficiaries is due in September 2024,’ she stated.
Mrs. Tinubu explained that she has consistently emphasized the education and empowerment of the Nigerian girl-child, who is culturally and traditionally excluded, to a great extent, than her male counterpart, from receiving comprehensive formal education.
This she said has brought about the need for the establishment of Alternative High School For Girls across the country.
This was corroborated by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman who explained that the First Lady is an education Champion.
‘Your Excellency, your commitment and drive in the education sector is highly
appreciated and as the Ministry, we are also supporting this drive with an additional 4,000 bursary grants for tertiary education students in the country.’
In her remarks, the CEO of AUDA-NEPAD in Nigeria, Gloria Akobundu, pointed out that the beneficiaries will receive qualitative education within and outside Nigeria.
Finland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, stated the readiness of her country to explore more partnerships with the Renewed Hope Initiative in the area of education.
A total of 200 students in various fields are to commence their academic career at the African School of Economics, an affiliate of Priston University, USA with the scholarship.
Source :News Agency of Nigeria