The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in collaboration with national and international organizations, is enhancing educational opportunities for Nigerian youth.
Recently, the initiative, launched by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, introduced 200 new scholarship recipients. The event took place at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. According to a statement from the First Lady’s media aide, Busola Kukoyi, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to prioritizing education through various policies and programs.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has made significant strides in the education sector. Our efforts include a zero-interest student loan scheme, bursaries, scholarships, and numerous infrastructure projects aimed at ensuring every Nigerian student has access to education,” Kukoyi said.
Last year, the Renewed Hope Initiative’s National Scholarship Programme (RHI-NASP) awarded scholarships worth N1,000,000 annually for four years, along with a new laptop, to students in Nigerian higher education institutions. This support helps cover tuition, books, and other educational costs. The second payment for these scholarships is scheduled for September 2024.
Senator Tinubu emphasized her focus on educating and empowering Nigerian girls, who have traditionally faced more barriers to formal education compared to their male counterparts. She highlighted the need for Alternative High Schools for Girls across the country to address this issue.
Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman praised the First Lady’s dedication to education. “Your commitment and efforts are greatly valued. The Ministry of Education will also contribute with an additional 4,000 bursary grants for tertiary students nationwide,” he said.
Princess Gloria Akobundu, CEO of AUDA-NEPAD in Nigeria, noted that the scholarship recipients will benefit from quality education both within Nigeria and abroad. Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, expressed her country’s interest in further partnerships with the Renewed Hope Initiative in the field of education.
With these scholarships, 200 students will begin their studies at the African School of Economics, affiliated with Princeton University, USA, in various academic fields.