Renewed Hope Initiative Unveils Scholarship Beneficiaries

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), founded by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has announced the 200 beneficiaries of the AUDA-NEPAD/African School of Economics/RHI Scholarships. These students will commence their academic careers at the African School of Economics, an affiliate of Princeton University, USA, under this scholarship program.

The unveiling ceremony took place at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja. Senator Tinubu emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to prioritizing education through various policies and programs. “The administration of President Bola Tinubu has done so much in the education sector. The recent zero-interest student loan scheme, bursary, and scholarship awards, along with various educational infrastructure projects, are all geared towards providing unhindered access to education for every Nigerian student,” she stated.

She also highlighted the National Scholarship Programme (RHI-NASP) under RHI, which awarded scholarships worth N1,000,000 per annum for four years and provided brand new laptops to students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The second tranche of payments for these beneficiaries is due in September 2024.

Senator Tinubu stressed the importance of educating and empowering the Nigerian girl-child, who has historically been excluded from comprehensive formal education. This need has led to the establishment of Alternative High Schools for Girls across the country.

Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman supported Mrs. Tinubu’s position, describing her as an education champion. “Your commitment and drive in the education sector are highly appreciated. As the Ministry, we are supporting this drive with an additional 4,000 bursary grants for tertiary education students in the country,” he said.

Gloria Akobundu, Chief Executive of AUDA-NEPAD in Nigeria, highlighted the quality education the beneficiaries will receive both within and outside Nigeria. Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, also expressed her country’s readiness to explore more partnerships with the RHI in the area of education.