Folasade Tinubu-Ojo Launches Scholarship Scheme for 1,000 Students in Cross River

Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has launched a major scholarship initiative aimed at supporting more than 1,000 underprivileged students seeking university education in Nigeria.

The programme was officially unveiled during an event held at Havilla University in Cross River State as part of activities marking her second anniversary as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council.

Scholarship to Support Underprivileged Students

According to Tinubu-Ojo, the scholarship scheme is designed to help talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds gain access to higher education.

Under the programme, beneficiaries will receive tuition-free education valued at approximately ₦400,000 per student.

The initiative is expected to commence during the 2025/2026 academic session, providing financial relief for many students who might otherwise struggle to afford university education.

Speaking during the launch, Tinubu-Ojo emphasized the importance of education in national development and social mobility.

She described education as a powerful tool capable of bridging the gap between different economic classes in society.

“Education remains the greatest equalizer between the rich and the poor,” she said while addressing attendees at the event.

Commitment to Youth Empowerment

Tinubu-Ojo explained that the scholarship programme reflects her personal commitment to empowering young Nigerians and expanding educational opportunities.

She noted that investing in education is critical to building a stronger future for the country, as young people represent Nigeria’s most valuable resource.

Observers say initiatives like this could help reduce the financial barriers that prevent many Nigerian youths from accessing tertiary education.

With tuition fees continuing to rise across universities, scholarship programmes have become increasingly important for students from low-income families.

New Vocational Centre Established

In addition to the scholarship programme, Tinubu-Ojo also laid the foundation for the Folasade Tinubu-Ojo Centre for Vocational Studies, which will be located within the university campus.

The new centre is expected to provide practical skills training and technical education for students and young entrepreneurs.

According to organisers, the facility will focus on equipping participants with hands-on skills that can help them become self-reliant and create employment opportunities.

Tinubu-Ojo also inaugurated the Folasade Tinubu-Ojo Complex, another infrastructure project within the university.

University Leadership Commends Initiative

The Chancellor of the university, Jones Tangban, praised the initiative, describing it as a major contribution to the development of education in Nigeria.

Tangban said the scholarship programme aligns with the broader goal of improving access to quality education and strengthening human capital development across the country.

He noted that while the initiative supports the broader Renewed Hope Agenda associated with the administration of President Tinubu, the scholarship programme itself is privately funded by Tinubu-Ojo.

Expanding Educational Opportunities

Education experts say scholarship programmes play a crucial role in expanding access to higher education, particularly in developing countries where many families struggle with the cost of university tuition.

In Nigeria, thousands of qualified students are unable to attend university each year due to financial constraints.

By providing tuition support, programmes such as this can help bridge the gap and enable more students to pursue their academic ambitions.

University officials encouraged prospective beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity while remaining committed to academic excellence.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with youth unemployment and limited access to quality education, initiatives aimed at supporting students and promoting skill development are increasingly being viewed as essential investments in the country’s future.