To enhance proficiency among students, the United States government has initiated the English Access Scholarship Programme in Nigeria. The $45,000 initiative, spanning 2024-2026, aims to empower disadvantaged, yet talented students in SS1 and SS2 within Abuja, with essential English skills.
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Hosted by KNOSK N100-a-day school in Kuje, 45 participants are drawn from the school and seven public secondary institutions in the community. Funded by the United States Department of State, participants are to have two years of free English Language learning and training in computer literacy, improved performance in external exams like WAEC and NECO, exposure to U.S. culture and values, as well as free meals, transportation and textbooks.

Speaking at the launch yesterday, the Cultural Attaché, Public Diplomacy Section, United States Embassy Abuja, Brian Neubert, recalled that since its inception in 2004, approximately 175,000 students in over 85 countries have participated in the programme.

While saying it also aims to improve the chances of students for future U.S. exchange or academic programmes, the Cultural Attaché added that the global impact of the scheme highlights its role in creating educational opportunities and promoting values such as global citizenship and democratic principles.

He called on the students to take full advantage of the opportunity, noting that it would equip them with critical 21st-century skills such as collaboration, communication creativity and critical thinking, which would empower them in their educational and career pursuits.
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His words: “This programme is a significant step toward providing inclusive access to education for young minds in our community, built on four essential pillars that guide its implementation: Global citizenship themes, 21st-century skills, U.S. culture and values, and communicative English language instruction.

“The Access Programme is more than just an English Language course; it serves as a gateway to new opportunities, enhancing cultural understanding and laying a foundation for future success. By improving English proficiency, we are not only enhancing educational and employment prospects but also fostering greater cultural ties between Nigeria and the United States.”

Government officials who spoke at the event, including the Area Officer, FCT Department of Mass Literacy, Kuje Zonal Office, Hassan Ebute and NkechinyereEmeghebo, of Department of Quality Assurance, Kuje Zone, lauded the U.S. government for the initiative, even as they stressed the importance of students utilising the opportunity.

On her part, Co-founder of KNOSK N100 -a-day School and Coordinator of Learning, English Access Scholarship Programme, Irene Bangwell, said 96 students from low-income homes wrote the entrance examination, out of which the top 45 were selected. She also revealed that the teachers were drawn from other institutions.
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