Determined to encourage the girl-child education, the presidential
candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr. Obiageli
Ezekwesili, has launched a scholarship programme for Nigerian women to
study at Nexford, an American university.
Ezekwesili recently joined the Global Advisory Board of Nexford
University and also launched its scholarship programme named after her
for Nigerian women to study in the next generation American higher
institution.
The board is made up of leading academics and practitioners who help
guide Nexford’s ambitious global higher education programme.
The scholarship would see the beneficiaries study at the Nexford
University, a next-generation university based in Washington DC offering
a competency-based learning model.
The former Minister of Education and #BringBackOurGirls crusader, in a
statement on Friday, said she was delighted with the honour of having
the five two-year scholarships to Nigerian women, aged 16–25, to study
on Nexford’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree programme
instituted in her name.
Ezekwesili said, “More work must go into widening access and
opportunities for women to level the gender playing field. I believe
Nexford scholarships will empower more women to study for degrees and
equip future leaders with the skills they need to shape our society.
“I hope recipients of the scholarship have a multiplier effect and
encourage learners from any socio-economic background to earn degrees. I
look forward to strong academic partnerships and research collaboration
between Nexford and our Nigerian universities in furtherance of global
competitiveness of our country.”
The Chief Executive Officer, Nexford, Fadl Al Tarzi, said that the
scholarship would aid the economic growth of Nigeria through those that
would be trained.
“Africa’s most populous country is one of Nexford’s key markets. A
college degree will boost earnings by more than 20 per cent in
sub-Saharan Africa, according to the Economist’s analysis of World Bank
Data. By bringing globally affordable, high-qualitative education to
Nigeria we hope to play our part in spurring economic mobility,” he
added.
The Country Manager, Nexford Nigeria, Miss Olamidun Majekodunmi,
described Ezekwesili as a mission driver and strategic personality.
“We have made the strategic decision to align with mission-driven
partners and supporters. Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili will bring unique and
relevant insights to the board,” Majekodunmi added.