The Oma Life Rescue Foundation (OLIRF) has unveiled plans to provide scholarships to one million Nigerian students over the next decade through its flagship initiative, the ‘A Million Dream Educational Scholarship Project.’

The Foundation made the announcement in Abuja during the official launch and unveiling of the scheme at the National Universities Commission (NUC).

 

The event, themed “Empowering the Next Generation Through Education, Leadership and Opportunity,” was attended by ministers, heads of tertiary institutions, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Health, development partners, students, and other critical stakeholders.

 

Speaking at the event, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Dr. Omanibe Ameh-Sanusi, explained that the scholarship scheme is designed to eliminate the financial barriers that prevent talented students from achieving their educational aspirations.

 

She disclosed that the scholarship allocation will be distributed as follows: 30 percent for pupils in primary and junior secondary schools, 50 percent for senior secondary school students, and 20 percent for undergraduate students.

 

According to her, the scholarship programme is aimed at expanding access to quality education for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged children and young people across Nigeria.

 

She added that the initiative will be implemented in partnership with educational institutions and development organisations. It is expected to support 100,000 beneficiaries between 2026 and 2036, with the long-term goal of reaching one million students countrywide.

 

Speaking further on the programme’s objectives, Ameh-Sanusi stressed that no brilliant Nigerian child should lose the opportunity to pursue higher education because of financial constraints.

 

“The scholarship is open to students from different academic fields, although preference will be given to courses considered critical to national development. These include medicine, nursing, law, engineering, information technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, pharmaceutical sciences, accounting, agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, and other strategic academic fields.

 

“Academic excellence will remain one of the key requirements for selection. Beneficiaries who maintain satisfactory academic performance and comply with the scholarship guidelines will continue receiving support throughout the programme,” she said.

 

While unveiling the scholarship scheme, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Bernard Doro, emphasized the importance of education in the life of every child. He commended Dr. Ameh-Sanusi and the foundation for the laudable initiative and assured them of his ministry’s full support toward the successful implementation of the programme.

 

In a goodwill message, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adeolapo Fasawe, commended the foundation for investing in the future of Nigerian youths.

 

She reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to the success of the initiative. She also donated mini gas cylinders to students, explaining that the Health and Environment Secretariat is concerned about the increasing number of lung cancer cases linked to prolonged exposure to smoke from firewood and charcoal.

 

More than 30 outstanding students who excelled during the examination and screening process were presented with scholarship award certificates.

 

Many of the participating institutions also pledged tuition discounts and other forms of financial assistance to help reduce the cost of education for scholarship beneficiaries.

 

Each successful beneficiary will receive a scholarship worth N100,000 as part of a broader educational support package developed in collaboration with partner institutions.

 

Other notable personalities and stakeholders at the event included the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, Dr. Muhammad Idris; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi; Dr. Sanusi Teshim Jejeola, spouse of the convener among others.