Nigeria’s first lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, has awarded scholarships worth N47 million to 47 students in tertiary institutions of learning in the country.
Each beneficiary got N1 million and a laptop to support their academic pursuits.
The initiative, under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), covered students across multiple disciplines of medicine, nursing, engineering, and biochemistry to education, law, political science and mass communication.
Among the awardees were five students in 400 level, 39 in 300 level, two in 200 level and one in ND2.
At the disbursement ceremony, Mrs Tinubu underscored the programme’s long-term commitment. “This is not about politics; it is about people’s lives. Just like in the past when I gave out scholarships, I want to ask you what else you can add to the table? You can grow and look for extra things you can do that will not hinder your studies,” she told the students.
She continued, “We have given you two years of grace and some of you have two more years to complete your studies, so we have a lot to do. We pray that the President will have a second term so that we continue.”
The minister of education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended the first lady’s effort, noting that it complements the government’s broader scholarship and bursary programmes.
“In the last two years, the President gave out 12,434 bursary awards amounting to about N10 billion, and about N4 billion worth of scholarships to 8,535 students. The scholarship award now includes N750,000 annually for those studying sciences in STEM and postgraduate education,” he said.
Alausa also highlighted the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, saying, “Over 500,000 students across the country have benefitted from the loan fund, with about N100 billion disbursed. You don’t pay back until after you graduate, complete the NYSC and get a job – and even then, only a maximum of 10% of your salary.”
The wife of the Imo State governor and RHI national secretary, Chioma Uzodinmma, congratulated the awardees, reminding them that “scholars who maintained a GPA of 3.0 and above remain eligible. Each of today’s 47 beneficiaries received N1 million annually plus a brand-new laptop.”
The director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, described the package as life-changing.
“This scholarship is more than money; it is an investment in young Nigerians who will shape the nation’s future,” he said.
