First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has unveiled 200 beneficiaries of the AUDA-NEPAD/African School of Economics/RHI Scholarships, a result of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s (RHI’s) partnerships with national and international organisations.
During a ceremony at the State House Banquet Hall yesterday in Abuja, the First Lady reaffirmed the Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to prioritising education, as evident in its various policies and programmes.
The RHI, founded by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, aims to increase access to quality education for Nigerian youths, and this latest development marks a significant milestone in achieving the goal.
A statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, said Mrs. Tinubu promised that the current administration would continue to prioritise education.
“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 said.
Mrs. Tinubu said she had consistently emphasised the education and empowerment of the Nigerian girl-child, who were culturally and traditionally excluded, to a great extent, than her male counterpart, from receiving comprehensive formal education.
This, the First Lady said, had brought about the need for the establishment of Alternative High School for Girls across the country.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, described the First Lady as 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,” he said.
The CEO of AUDA-NEPAD in Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu, explained that the beneficiaries were set to receive qualitative education from within and outside Nigeria.
The Finish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, expressed 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 begin their academic career at the African School of Economics, an affiliate of Priston University, U.S.A., with the scholarship.
