The University of Lagos Women Society (ULWS) plans to award scholarship to 10 undergraduates with remarkable academic records and two other physically-impaired students under its Youth Connect Initiative. ULWS is a non-profit organisation made up of female senior staffs and wives of senior male staff.
The Director, Office of Advancement, ULWS, Dr Taiwo Ipaye, said the scholarship was in support of the vision of the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, who promised that no student of the university would drop out because of the inability to pay tuition fee.
Ipaye, who spoke during Youth Connect Initiative held at the J.F. Ade-Ajayi auditorium, University of Lagos, said the programme was targeted at engaging and empowering undergraduate students. Among the scholarship scheme beneficiaries are Aloh Emmanuel, a visually-impaired Art Education graduate and Okeke John, a physically-challenged Social Science Education undergraduate student of the university.
The scholarship programme is being funded by Representative, Lagos Mainland Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, and Chairman House Committee on Environment Parastatals (CHCEP), Rasheed Shabi. Shabi, who is an alumnus of the university.
He said the two impaired students will get N1million for their education, and also pledged to provide funding for the 10 first-class students, with outstanding academic records of 4.5 GPA for the next session.
Speaking on the Role of the Youth in Nation Building and Development in Nigeria, Shabi emphasised the importance of education in developing a skilled workforce and fostering innovation.
He said: “Let us acknowledge that the youth are the driving force of any nation’s progress. With our energy, passion, and innovative thinking, we possess the ability to ignite positive change and shape the density of our country.”
Shabi advised the youth not to leave the country as it is the trend of today. According to him, if everybody leaves the country to other countries, no one will be in Nigeria to develop the country.
According to him, “Nigeria, with its rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and abundant resources, holds immense potential for growth and progress. However, this potential can only be realized through active participation and contribution of its youth. It is often said that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, but I firmly believe that they are also the leaders of today.”
He also lay emphasis on the negative impact of drugs in achieving the role of the youths in nation-building and development, as well as shared insights into combating drug abuse and promoting a healthy lifestyle among young people.
Ipaye thanked the Shabi for giving back to the society, saying, “He is an alumnus of this university and he is doing us proud in his various capacities and he deemed it fit. The school is within his constituency and we are proud of him. We thank him for aligning with the vision so that nobody will be left behind.”
Okeke, student who benefited from the donation, said: “I feel excited. I did not expect it. God bless him.”
Also Aloh, said: “I am very happy that we can gain such privilege. I never knew that I would start my Master’s Degree programme just like that. He asked about my result and I told him that I graduated with 3.73, which is 2:1. Then he asked me if I would like to continue with my master’s programme. I told him that I did not have a source of livelihood. He said do not worry. Everything will be catered for.”
“I am filled with joy. He is like a Godsent to me. God will not only bless him but give him the grace to enable him to fulfil the purpose for which he has been created,” he added.
Present at the programme was Vice President of the society (ULWS), Dr (Mrs)Racheal Odunlade and the university’s Director Guidance and Counseling, Aregbesola Oluwatoyin, as well as students from various departments.
