On January 10, 2026, the Bet9ja Foundation brought purpose to life as it hosted the second edition of its Undergraduate Scholarship Awards in Ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, celebrating academic excellence and reaffirming its commitment to expanding access to education. The ceremony marked a defining moment for over 200 outstanding undergraduates, each awarded full tuition scholarships to support their academic journeys.
More than a formal gathering, the event reflected the Foundation’s growing investment in education as a pathway to long-term socio-economic development. The scholarship recipients emerged from a highly competitive application process that ran from October 14 to November 30, 2025, drawing applications from students across public tertiary institutions nationwide. Each application was carefully reviewed through a thorough, merit-based vetting process, guided by clearly outlined eligibility and academic criteria.
This second edition represents a significant expansion of the programme. Following its inaugural launch in 2024, where 100 students were awarded scholarships, the Foundation more than doubled its reach in 2026 by supporting over 200 scholars. By covering full tuition costs, the programme removes financial barriers that often limit academic performance, allowing beneficiaries to focus on learning, skill development, and future career goals.
Speaking on the programme’s purpose, Ada Cuomo, Executive Director of the Bet9ja Foundation, said:
“This scholarship represents our belief in education as a powerful driver of national progress. We are investing in students who have demonstrated excellence and resilience and who will go on to shape the future of Nigeria. Growing from 100 scholars to over 200 in just our second edition shows our commitment to doing more and reaching further.”
For many scholars, the impact of the award extends beyond financial relief. One beneficiary described the scholarship as “a strong motivation to keep striving for excellence,” noting that the support provides confidence and renewed focus toward academic and professional ambitions. Such reactions reflect the programme’s deeper purpose: affirming talent, rewarding effort, and reinforcing the value of education.
The Undergraduate Scholarship Programme is a core part of the Bet9ja Foundation’s education development strategy. By prioritizing merit and transparency, the initiative continues to identify high-performing students and provide meaningful support that can shape long-term outcomes for individuals and communities alike.
Looking ahead, the Bet9ja Foundation plans to expand the scholarship programme and increase the number of beneficiaries in future cycles. To achieve this, the Foundation is open to strategic partnerships with organisations that share its commitment to education access, youth development, and long-term social impact, working collaboratively to reach more students across Nigeria.
For more information on the Bet9ja Foundation, visit www.bet9jafoundation.org.
About Bet9ja Foundation
Bet9ja Foundation is a philanthropic organisation committed to improving lives across Nigeria through targeted interventions in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, sports development, and community infrastructure, with a focus on sustainable, people-centred impact.
