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Chuks Udo Okonta
Stanbic IBTC, a member of Standard Bank Group, marked a significant milestone in its pledge to foster Nigeria’s academic talent through its annual University Scholarship Programme. In a vibrant hybrid award ceremony held on Friday, 26 July 2024, the organization celebrated the achievements of 200 young scholars who have demonstrated exceptional academic prowess and are poised to become Nigeria’s future leaders.
The event saw a gathering of scholarship winners’ beneficiaries, their families, media representatives, various stakeholders, and Stanbic IBTC staff, all united to celebrate the hard work and academic brilliance of these young scholars. This recognition goes beyond their past accomplishments, offering an inspiring gateway to their future endeavors with the backing of the Stanbic IBTC University Scholarship Programme.
During the event, Dr Demola Sogunle, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, shared the organization’s vision, transcending the immediate and projecting into the heart of Nigeria’s future. “With great enthusiasm and a clear sense of purpose, today is remarkable and goes beyond the mere celebration of academic excellence. It is a moment where we, as an organization, commit to nurturing and developing what we believe is Nigeria’s most valuable assets—its future leaders,” Demola said.
The Stanbic IBTC Chief Executive further emphasized, “Awarding this scholarship isn’t just an act of financial support; it’s a symbolic gesture of our belief in the transformative power of education. Our dedication is not solely to the academic growth of these young minds but to unlocking the immense potential in our youth. Education is the key to unlocking this potential, catalyzing change, innovation, and development throughout our nation.
Demola outlined a vision of hope and ambition for Nigeria’s future: “Our dream for Nigeria is bold and far-reaching. We envision a country where every child, regardless of background, can achieve their full potential. Through this scholarship initiative programme, we are taking a definitive step towards creating a future where the leaders of tomorrow are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to lead with integrity and wisdom.” He concluded his speech with a call to action, emphasizing the role of collective efforts in achieving this grand vision.
Since its launch in 2019, the Scholarship Programme has been a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s brightest minds, offering them the support needed to excel to their maximum potential. Out of more than 16,000 applicants this year, 200 scholars were meticulously selected based on their stellar performance in the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and academic track records.
Stanbic IBTC’s significant financial commitment of 80 million Naira ensures that these scholars can pursue their academic dreams without financial barriers. The scholarship award underlines a gender-balanced group of beneficiaries and supports students across various academic fields, highlighting the organization’s holistic approach to developing well-rounded leaders to tackle Nigeria’s challenges.
