By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Fifteen students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have been chosen as the first beneficiaries of educational grants from Olam Agri in Nigeria through its Seeds for the Future Education Grant.
The grants aim to support the academic pursuit of the beneficiaries to fast-track learning and attainment of excellence among students in tertiary institutions targeting a long-term impact on the national productivity level.
The support framework is awarded to the best-qualified applicants using a merit-based selection process that strictly adheres to the rules of fairness, transparency, fair play, and independent audit, from the application, and shortlisting, all through to the finalists’ selection stages. It is open to all the courses of study offered in Nigeria’s federal and state-owned tertiary institutions.
Olam Agri said it came up with this initiative as part of its commitment to keep investing in enhancing human capital and economic development in the country.
The beneficiaries for this batch were selected from various departments of UNILAG and they include Uvere Franca and Ihejiamatu Anthony of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Oyibo Ufedo-Ojo and Olaloko Olamide of the Department of Civil Engineering, Bamigbose Joseph and Adeniran Ridwanullah of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Akinyade Simisola and Ugoegbulem David of the Department of Education Foundation amongst others.
“We recognize that the private sector has a key role to play in collaborating to drive sustainable growth in the economy.
“In line with the federal government’s economic development agenda, we are glad to be investing in bright and hardworking students who are in the best position to deliver the innovation and inputs that will drive the economy in the nearest future,” the Country Head of Olam Agri, Mr Ashish Pande, said at the presentation of the grants on Friday, December 15, 2023, at the company’s head office in Lagos.
“The educational grants are a key part of the Seeds for the Future (SFTF) Initiative’s target of enabling wider education and skills development for young people amongst others.
“Launched in 2022, the initiative serves as our social sustainability investment vehicle with five levers, namely, supporting farms and farmers, enabling wider education and skill development for young people, empowering impoverished women, promoting health and nutrition across the country, and reducing carbon emissions in our business operations,” he added.
On his part, the Vice President of Commercial at Olam Agri, Mr Bolaji Anifowoshe, admonished the students to make the best use of the grants.
“Olam Agri is excited to be a part of your success journey. What you do with the grants will have a direct impact on your lives. Keep ensuring you do whatever you need to do to be the best irrespective of the resources available to you always,” he said.
In their remarks, the students applauded Olam Agri for its support, with Uvere Franca saying, “I have heard about people receiving academic support. This is my first time receiving an educational grant. I am happy for this. The grant will help me purchase the resources and tools that will aid my learning as well as support my tuition. I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to Olam Agri.”
Modupe Gbadeyanka