The First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, has awarded scholarships worth N47 million to 47 students in tertiary institutions across the country, with each beneficiary receiving N1million and a laptop to support their academic pursuits.
The initiative, under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), covered students across multiple disciplines, ranging from medicine, nursing, engineering, and biochemistry to education, law, political science, and mass communication. Among the awardees were five in 400 level, 39 in 300 level, two in 200 level, and one in ND2.
Speaking 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 do you also 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 added: “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, Prof. Olatunji 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 N10billion, and about N4billion 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 (NELFUND), saying: “Over 500,000 students across the country have benefited from the loan fund, with about N100 billion disbursed. You don’t pay back until after you graduate, finish 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. Today’s 47 beneficiaries each receive N1 million annually plus a brand-new laptop.”
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.
More than half of the awardees — 55 per cent — were from STEM fields, including medicine, engineering, nursing, and food science, underscoring the programme’s emphasis on science and technology for national development.
