By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The First Class Muslim (FCM) Foundation on Sunday awarded scholarships and mentorship opportunities to 20 first-class female students from across Southwest tertiary institutions for academic support.
Speaking at the event in Ikeja, Dr Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, said the scholarships aimed to empower the brilliant girls, particularly those from underprivileged homes or experiencing financial challenges.
Ogunmuyiwa explained that beneficiaries were selected from institutions like theUniversity of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, University of Lagos and Lagos State University.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries were nominated by experts from different fields on, focusing on balancing faith with personal growth, academic growth through consistent effort among other topics.
He said the scholarship was also to bridge educational gender inequality, challenge cultural biases against female education and promote national development through investing meaningfully in them.
He said they were investing in the future of the country because the girls would become mothers who would train future leaders, and properly trained women helped to build a better society.
“For a long time, females have been underestimated, but giving them opportunities to excel academically and financially will inspire independence, reduce poverty and ultimately transform families, communities and society.
“Female students are increasingly excelling academically because many now desire independence, success and personal growth, unlike previous generations who depended entirely on others for financial stability.
“Marriage should never truncate personal development because today’s young women understand the importance of becoming financially independent, self-reliant and successful through education, determination and consistent academic excellence,”.
The beneficiaries commended the foundation, describing the mentorship programme and financial support as morale boosters that strengthened confidence, inspired excellence and encouraged greater academic determination among female scholars.
Ms Adefunke Adedeji said, “My take home is that religion should motivate academic excellence and inspire students to remain outstanding. This scholarship will support my dreams and help me achieve greater heights.
“Education is every child’s right, therefore, parents should encourage schooling and ignore discouraging narratives because learning remains essential for personal growth and success”.
Also, Ms Adeyemi Ganiyah urged parents to prioritise education, stressing that schooling remained every child’s rightful opportunity.
She also cautioned families against discouragement arising from negative narratives surrounding education and aspiration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
