First Lady Empowers 47 Students with Scholarships and Laptops

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday disbursed ₦47 million and laptops to 47 beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) scholarship scheme, underscoring her commitment to supporting education and empowering young Nigerians across diverse fields of study.

Each of the recipients, drawn from tertiary institutions nationwide, received ₦1 million and a laptop to aid their academic pursuits. 

The students cut across various academic levels — five in 400 level, 39 in 300 level, two in 200 level, and one in ND II — and are enrolled in disciplines ranging from medicine, law, and engineering to education, sciences, and the humanities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that the initiative was rooted in service to humanity, not politics. 

“This is a scheme that we have to continue; this is not about politics, it is about people’s lives. Just like in the past when I gave out scholarships, I want to ask you, what do you also add to the table? You can grow and also look for extra things you can do that will not hinder your studies,” she said.

She urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity and hinted at plans to sustain the programme. 

“We have given you two years of grace, and some of you have two more years to complete your studies. We pray that the President will have a second term so that we continue,” she added.

Also speaking, Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, lauded the RHI for complementing government efforts, noting that the Tinubu administration had expanded bursaries and scholarships nationwide. 

“In the last two years, the President gave out 12,434 bursary awards amounting to about ₦10 billion to students in key sectors, including medicine and education. We have also awarded ₦4 billion worth of scholarships to 8,535 students,” he said.

Alausa highlighted the administration’s focus on STEM disciplines, pointing out that 55 percent of the new RHI beneficiaries were in fields such as medicine, nursing, engineering, and food science. 

He further drew attention to the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, which has already benefited over 500,000 students with about ₦100 billion disbursed. 

“You don’t pay back until after you graduate, finish NYSC, and secure a job — and even then, only a maximum of 10% of your salary,” he explained.

Chioma Uzodinmma, wife of the Imo State Governor and National Secretary of RHI, congratulated the recipients for meeting the eligibility requirement of a minimum GPA of 3.0. 

She said the 2025 awardees followed earlier batches in 2023 and 2024, adding, “today’s 47 beneficiaries each receive ₦1 million annually plus a brand-new laptop. We wish you success in your academic session.”

Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, described the scholarship as “a life-changing package provided by the First Lady,” emphasizing its importance in nurturing talent and bridging educational gaps nationwide.

Also at the event was the wife of the Vice President and the National Vice Chairman of RHI, Hajia Nana Shettima; the wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mrs Salamatu Gbajabiamila; the wife of the Kwara State Governor, who is also the chairperson of the governors’ wives forum.