By Oluwaseun Nubi
The Jimi Benson iCare Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has secured Chinese Government international scholarships for three students from Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos to pursue academic programmes in China.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries are Oluwatobiloba Bello, Temitayo Faseyide and Faith Nwobu.
NAN also reports that their selection followed a competitive process involving several applications for educational support submitted to the constituency office of Mr Babajimi Benson.
Benson is representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The selection process considered the applicants’ academic records and performance in their immediate past institutions, as well as their results in a screening exercise conducted by the foundation’s education team.
Bello will pursue a PhD in National Development at Peking University, while Faseyide will study Nursing at Jinzhou Medical University.
Nwobu will undertake a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at North Eastern University, Shenyang.
The latest beneficiaries bring to four the number of students from Ikorodu Federal Constituency pursuing academic programmes in China through the scholarship opportunity.
The fourth beneficiary, Sadiq Jimoh, is already in China pursuing his master’s degree.
Speaking at a pre-departure engagement with the three scholars, Benson congratulated them and urged them to remain disciplined and focused throughout their programmes.
He said their academic records and performance during the foundation’s screening demonstrated their capacity to compete successfully in an international academic environment.
“You are carrying the identity of Ikorodu and Nigeria with you, so you must conduct yourselves responsibly, respect the laws and regulations of your host country and remain good ambassadors,” he said.
Benson urged the scholars to return with knowledge and experience that would contribute to the development of their communities and the country.
He said the scholarship was not only about obtaining academic qualifications but also about gaining international exposure, professional relationships and new perspectives.
Also, Mr Deen Sanwoola, Director-General of the Jimi Benson iCare Foundation, urged the beneficiaries to approach their studies with seriousness and discipline.
Sanwoola, also the Executive Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA), advised them to remain committed to their programmes.
He also warned them to avoid distractions that could undermine their academic objectives.
“You are going to China to acquire knowledge and experience that will make you better professionals and scholars.
“Make good use of the opportunity, maintain exemplary conduct and remember that your actions abroad will reflect on Ikorodu and Nigeria,” he said.
He urged the scholars to emulate Jimoh, another beneficiary from the constituency who is already pursuing his master’s programme in China.
Responding, Bello expressed appreciation to Benson and the foundation for facilitating the scholarship, describing the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies at Peking University as a significant milestone in her academic career.
“I am grateful for this opportunity and the confidence reposed in me. I will remain dedicated to my research and make the best use of this opportunity,” she said.
Faseyide, who will study Nursing at Jinzhou Medical University, also expressed appreciation for the scholarship.
“This opportunity has opened a new chapter in my academic and professional journey.
“I appreciate the support and confidence shown in me and I will remain focused throughout the programme,” she said.
Nwobu, who will pursue an MBA at North Eastern University, Shenyang, described the scholarship as an important platform for advancing her academic and professional aspirations.
“I am grateful for this opportunity and I will work hard to justify the confidence placed in me,” she said.
The three beneficiaries pledged to remain focused on their studies, maintain high standards of conduct and pursue academic excellence throughout their programmes.(NAN)
Edited by Abujah Racheal/Olawunmi Ashafa