Launch of ₦250 Million Scholarship Fund to Empower Young Graduates with In-Demand Tech Skills in Nigeria
₦250 Million Scholarship Fund Launched to Empower Young Graduates in Tech
In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bridging the skills gap in Nigeria’s tech industry, Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has teamed up with Sam Otigba, founder of Jobs59, and HackSultan, founder of ALT School, to launch a ₦250 million scholarship fund. This ambitious program is designed to help National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and recent graduates acquire essential technology skills that are in high demand.
The scholarship will provide successful applicants with ₦160,000 to cover tuition for any diploma program at AltSchool Africa. This includes ₦10,000 for the application fee and ₦150,000 for tuition, along with invaluable career support, internship opportunities, and, for select beneficiaries, free laptops to facilitate their studies.
A Call to Action
Announcing the initiative on social media platform X, Otigba stated, “We’re solving the Olodo uprising pandemic, one NYSC at a time. That’s our contribution to society.” He emphasized that the scholarship aims to equip young graduates with real, marketable tech skills that can lead to sustainable employment.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to current NYSC corps members, prospective corps members, and recent NYSC alumni. Interested applicants can easily apply through the NYSC to Tech Job scholarship portal at AltSchool Africa. The application process involves filling out a form with NYSC details, selecting a preferred diploma program, and submitting the application for eligibility review.
Diverse Learning Opportunities
Beneficiaries can choose from a range of diploma programs, including:
- AI-Powered Fullstack Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud Engineering
- Data Analysis
- Technical Product Management
- Digital Marketing Automation and Sales
These programs are designed to run for nine to twelve months, with internship applications commencing from the sixth month.
Comprehensive Career Support
Beyond technical training, the scholarship recipients will receive robust career support, including internship opportunities, job placement assistance through Jobs59, and mentorship for portfolio development. Otigba highlighted the initiative’s goal of transforming the NYSC year into a valuable career-building experience.
Overcoming Barriers
Recognizing that access to technology can be a significant barrier, the program also offers a Laptop Scholarship Add-on for applicants who do not own a laptop. This additional support will require a separate application process, ensuring that all beneficiaries have the tools they need to succeed.
A Vision for the Future
Tunde Onakoya, serving as a youth development partner for the initiative, expressed his commitment to helping young Nigerians cultivate discipline, resilience, and practical skills that will prepare them for future opportunities after their NYSC service.
As the tech landscape continues to evolve, this scholarship fund represents a significant step towards empowering the next generation of Nigerian tech leaders, equipping them with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in a competitive job market.