Tag: scholarship

No fewer than 179 Nigerians have been awarded scholarships to study different programmes in Russia.

Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman said this at the 2023/2024 pre-departure briefing of Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars to Russia in Abuja.

The first batch has arrived in Moscow. The second and third batches would depart on November 15 and 17.

Mamman, who was represented by the Director of Universities Education in the ministry, Mrs. Rakiya Ilyasu, advised the scholars not to see the opportunity as uncontrolled freedom to do things that would be to their disgrace.

He explained that the country had invested a lot in them and as such required the returns of investment on their return to the country.

“Note that you are few out of thousands who secured this opportunity, which you must not take for granted. Your parents and teachers would also be happy with your succour.

“Your selection is part of a broader plan which ensures that brilliant Nigerians, especially those that cannot afford to study programmes that are not readily available in Nigeria, are supported to get necessary knowledge, skills and competence that would be useful in Nigeria’s development agenda.

“I am happy to inform you that in spite of the global economic meltdown, the number of our development partners have increased and many of them now offer scholarships to Nigeria.

“As you prepare to travel out, ensure to uphold good values, focus on your studies and be a good ambassador of your country,” he said.

The minister also urged the scholars to always strive to abide by the laws of their host country and as well remember to be their brother’s keeper in their new environment.

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“Most importantly, you need to make your presence known to the Nigerian Embassy in Moscow. This is very necessary based on our experiences from Ukraine.

“Your parents are also spending a lot of resources on you. Note that we all expect you to return to our dear country at the end of your studies to assist Nigeria to become a better place by contributing your quota to its development, using your new knowledge and skills,” he added.

Also speaking, the Director, Federal Scholarship Board, Asta Ndajiwo, said the journey began in November 2022 with applications from thousands of Nigerians, which later translated to the nomination of the candidates.

Ndajiwo praised the Federal Government efforts, especially in the payment of the scholar’s allowances from September to December.

She also advised the scholars to do away with any extracurricular activities that could take their lives, recalling an incident with previous two scholars who lost their lives while swimming in a pool.

It was jubilation galore at the Igwebuike Grammar School Awka, Anambra State following fulfillment of scholarship promise by a Chinese firm, Zhotian Construction Company, to the students.

Its managing director, Makoan Tu, had during a visit to the school, offered to pay fees for Senior Secondary 1 – 3 students of the school for one academic year.

He explained that the gesture, which was part of his firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility, was in support of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s free education programme and other policies aimed at ensuring every child in the state had access to quality education.

Confirming receipt of cheque of N3 million from the firm, the school’s principal, Mr. Jovita Arazu, appreciated the group for the gesture, particularly for fulfilling the promise within a record time.

He said the scholarship would go a long way to alleviating hardship faced by parents and students at this critical time, adding that some parents had been calling to express their gratitude to both the firm and government.

He said: “The firm’s managing director came yesterday during break time with a check of N3 million for the beneficiaries.

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“The students came out in their numbers to welcome him with songs and dances, while pictures were taken.

“The Senior Prefect, who spoke on behalf of others, promised they would live up to expectations and won’t let him down. They were happy it would be a relief to their parents.

“Some of the parents have been calling to express their gratitude to both the company and state government.

“We thank Mr. Governor and the Commissioner for Education for facilitating that move. It will go a long way to alleviating the hardship faced by parents and students at this critical time.

“We also want to use this opportunity to call on other well-meaning individuals and firms to offer scholarships to indigent students in their various communities.

“There are so many students that need such help. Whatever help that’s given will be appreciated.

“Mr. Tu is a gentleman. He made the promise two weeks from the time the discussion started and after the first day, he came to see the students. The following day, he came with the cheque. We’re very happy he fulfilled his promise within a record time.”

Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-udeh, thanked Tu for the offer and urged the students to remain focused and dedicated to their studies.

Over 5,000 Nigerian students attended this year’s Aptech Career Quest, held recently by the IT firm across 15 Nigerian cities.

The cities were Umuahia, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Ota, Owerri, Osun, Ojodu, Lagos, Kano, Ibadan, Enugu, Asaba, Calabar, Abuja, and Abeokuta.

In Lagos, where the International Business Head for Middle East and Africa, from Aptech Computer Education, Mumbai-India, Mr Seetam Thakuri, superintended the event, 14 of 34 students were given scholarships to study in Middlesex University. Each scholarship is worth 7,500 pounds.

According to statistics, National Bureau of Statistics, Information and Communication Technology Sector in Nigeria contributes to about 18.44 percent  of the nation’s GDP as of 2022.

Aptech has over 23 years contributed to this, by training more than seven million students globally and over 100,000 in Nigeria at its 45 centres. It has also made investment impacts in the lives of over 10,000 Nigerians and Africans, through training in infotech and Hitech.

The firm is the first IT Training and Education company to get its certification for Education Support Services in 1993, Aptech Computer Education has globally trained over 6.5 million students. It also has a presence in more than 40 emerging countries through its two main streams of businesses; Individual training and Enterprise Business.

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Upon completion of Aptech’s Flagship Career Programmes: Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering (ADSE) and Aptech Certified Network Specialist (ACNS), students are offered the opportunity to study abroad, during the final year of their BSc. Degree at Middlesex University London’s campuses. This enables students to pursue an international degree through a credit transfer facility.

Mr. Singal noted that Aptech’s main objectives are to teach, deliver and train students in order to make them become computer literate.

He added that the basic reason for doing this is to make the students industry-relevant so that they’re able to do well in their education and chosen careers.

“We prepare students and the candidates that we have so that they meet the industry standards.

“Our main focus is to deliver, create and train students in the best, the latest and contemporary IT technologies. That’s our main focus and objectives at ApTech, which we have been doing for over 23 years now.”