the Otemu Educational Foundation (OEF) has officially unveiled a comprehensive scholarship and grant scheme designed to ease the financial burden on tertiary institution students. The initiative, which was recently launched in Delta State, represents a major milestone in the Foundation’s mission to make higher education accessible to all, regardless of economic background.
During the unveiling ceremony, the Foundation announced that each selected beneficiary would receive full-tuition coverage, accommodation, and additional stipends amounting to ₦800,000 per academic year. This financial support is part of OEF’s broader educational empowerment agenda targeted at nurturing academic excellence and inspiring a new generation of professionals across Nigeria.
A Holistic Support Package for Students
The Otemu Educational Foundation’s scholarship is not just a typical tuition-based award. Instead, it provides an all-encompassing support system that covers virtually every major financial need of a student. According to the Foundation’s management, the scholarship package includes:
- Full payment of tuition fees for the entire academic session.
- Accommodation support, ensuring students can focus on learning without the worry of rent or hostel expenses.
- Sundry fees, including registration and departmental charges.
- A living stipend of ₦800,000, aimed at covering feeding, books, transportation, and other personal academic needs.
This multi-tiered financial assistance ensures that students can fully dedicate themselves to their studies without being distracted by economic challenges that often hinder academic performance.
Pioneer Beneficiaries and Selection Transparency
The Foundation revealed that this phase of the scholarship is its pioneer edition, meaning it marks the beginning of a continuous effort to uplift Nigerian youths through education. The initial batch of beneficiaries was carefully selected based on merit, proven financial need, and academic commitment.
The selection process, according to the organizers, was transparent and competitive. OEF emphasized its belief that empowering young people through education remains one of the most effective ways to secure Nigeria’s long-term development and social stability.
Commitment to Educational Excellence and Equity
The Otemu Educational Foundation stated that the scholarship initiative is rooted in its commitment to equity, inclusivity, and excellence in the educational sector. The Foundation believes that countless talented young Nigerians are unable to reach their potential due to lack of financial resources — a challenge this programme aims to directly address.
By offering a combination of tuition, accommodation, and stipends, OEF hopes to remove all forms of financial barriers, enabling students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their dreams without compromise.
Foundation’s Vision and Broader Goals
Speaking during the unveiling event, representatives of the Foundation reiterated that the scholarship scheme is part of a larger strategic vision to create a strong educational support ecosystem in Nigeria. OEF’s founder emphasized that education is the most powerful tool for nation-building and human capital development.
The Foundation intends to expand the scholarship programme beyond Delta State to other regions of Nigeria in the coming years, with plans to partner with educational institutions, government agencies, and private organizations to reach more beneficiaries.
Positive Reactions and Community Impact
The announcement of the scholarship grants has sparked widespread excitement among students, parents, and educational stakeholders. Many have praised the Otemu Educational Foundation for taking a proactive step in addressing one of the most pressing issues faced by Nigerian students — the inability to afford higher education due to rising costs.
Parents at the event expressed deep gratitude, noting that the initiative would significantly ease the financial pressure on households, while students described it as a “dream come true” opportunity that will help them stay focused on their academic goals.
Encouraging Future Scholars
OEF has also urged students across Nigeria to remain committed to excellence, stressing that the scholarship will continue annually and may even be expanded to cover more beneficiaries and disciplines in future editions. The Foundation called on students to work hard and maintain good academic records, as future selection processes will prioritize outstanding academic performance and discipline.
The Bigger Picture: Strengthening Nigeria’s Educational System
Beyond the immediate financial benefits, the Otemu Educational Foundation’s scholarship represents a strategic contribution to Nigeria’s educational system. By investing in human capital, the Foundation is directly supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), which advocates for inclusive and equitable education for all.
This move also complements government efforts to boost tertiary education funding and reduce the alarming dropout rate among undergraduates due to financial hardship.
How to Apply
Interested students are advised to stay alert for the official call for applications, which the Foundation will announce through reputable educational platforms and media outlets like ours. The application process will involve filling out an online form, providing academic transcripts, a letter of motivation, and proof of financial need. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for screening and interview stages.
