Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First lady has applauded beneficiaries of national scholarships, urging them to continue building skills beyond the traditional classroom setting, emphasising the need for academic excellence to be complemented with practical knowledge for national development.
The first lady made the call on Tuesday, September 9, during the National Scholarship Programme (NASP) Tertiary Education: Mid-Term Assessment and Interactive Session with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Scholars in Abuja.
She emphasised the importance of practical knowledge and hands-on experience in shaping a self-reliant and empowered generation.
The former senator disclosed that education funding must go beyond financial aid, stressing that students should cultivate extra skills and income streams to secure their future.
“Scholarships are not just about numbers but about building lives with meaning, hence beneficiaries must remain resourceful and resilient even after graduation.
“We cannot start a scholarship scheme and then abandon it midway. It is not about numbers; it is about raising good students we can mentor,” she said.
The wife of the president reiterated that the money given is a lot, but that does not mean students should fold their arms. She urged the beneficiaries to add to what is given to them, by acquiring skills to earn extra. Besides, she said the students should learn to think outside the box.
Moreover, she encouraged students not to despise their humble beginnings.
“Even if you start small, it is a business. Do not be ashamed. Rise up and do something extra. What we work for, we appreciate more,” she said.
The first lady announced that over 5,500 students had benefitted, with an additional 1,500 laptops and a third tranche of funds approved for disbursement within the week.
She assured students that even if political circumstances change, the scholarship scheme would not be abandoned.
She commended Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, and Kashifu Abdullahi, the director-general of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for their support.
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Nana Shettima, the wife of the vice- President, in her message, appluaded the first lady’s foresight and motherly role in championing educational support for Nigerian youths.
Reminiscing on the first lady’s personal commitment to mentoring over 200 girls in Borno State, she explained how an initial N5 million support inspired her to establish a learning centre.
The wife of the vice-president urged beneficiaries to embrace mentorship, discipline, and self-development, while exploring other opportunities such as the National Student Loan to further their academic and professional growth.
Chioma Uzodinma, the wife of Imo State governor commended the scholarship scheme, recalling how the scholarship scheme was launched in 2023, with 47 indigent students awarded annual scholarships worth N1 billion for their entire study duration.
She noted that beneficiaries had received two tranches of funds in 2023 and 2024, maintaining the required GPA of 3.0 and above to remain eligible.
She applauded NITDA for its continual support and advised students to remain focused, resilient, and committed to excellence in their academic pursuits.
“We celebrate all our scholars for their dedication. Through this, we expand our shared commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through education,” she said.
