Many individuals from underclass families, who are today at the peak of their careers or have achieved enormous greatness or fortune have touted education as one of the things that changed their stories. Some go further to say that without education, they may likely not be where they are today. A clear example is our founder, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, who had several times confirmed the impact of education in his own success. The Alex Otti Foundation (AOF) recognizes how education can transform lives and has, over the years, actively sought to build a virile Nigerian society through meaningful educational interventions, awarding undergraduate scholarships to indigent students yearly.
The Foundation, therefore, calls for applications from interested candidates for the 2023/2024 edition of its undergraduate scholarship scheme. The scheme was established to assist disadvantaged students ancestrally from – or resident in – Abia State with financial support to facilitate their educational pursuits.
Scholarships will be awarded based on strong personal academic background, leadership potential, and a demonstrated desire to use the acquired knowledge to contribute to societal development. Winners should, upon completion of their studies, apply their talents and expertise to improving the lives of others. Over time, the Foundation expects its scholarship beneficiaries to form a strong network of leaders who will individually and collectively contribute to the well-being of Abia State and Nigeria.
Successful candidates will be required to maintain a CGPA of at least 3.5 (every session) for those studying in universities (or its equivalent, for those in other tertiary institutions) every academic session to continue to enjoy the scholarship till they graduate.
WHO CAN APPLY
Students currently in 2nd-year (200 Level) in any government-owned tertiary institution in Nigeria. Applicants must be in 2nd-year as at the time of the application and must have been admitted in the 2021/2022 academic session. For schools like University of Lagos and University of Ibadan that lost one year academic session, the 2021/2022 admission year criteria may not apply.
The candidate must have at least a CGPA of 3.5 – for universities (or its equivalent, for other tertiary institutions) in their first academic session (that is, First Year).
Candidates who just secured direct entry admission into 2nd-year (and will remain in the second year by the end of April 2024) can apply.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must submit a statement of result for their first academic session (that is, First Year) signed by the Department/Faculty’s Admin Officer (who rightfully is a representative of the registrar in the department or faculty). This statement can be submitted during the final interview (for shortlisted candidates). Direct entry candidates must submit the qualifying results that earned them the direct entry.
Candidates must present a letter of recognition by their community/religious group leader or electricity bill for the last three months preceding the month of the interview to prove they currently reside in Abia State.
Candidates must submit a 1200-word essay telling us:
1. What they are most grateful for, and why.
2. What would they say is their greatest regret in life Or worst decision they have even taken; and if faced with similar situation, what would they do differently.
3. What is the most important decision they have taken in life and the justification for it.
Candidates must provide valid means of identification.
WHO SHOULD NOT APPLY
Siblings of – that is, children who share the same parents with – current Alex Otti scholars are not eligible and will not be until their sibling’s current scholarship runs its entire course. (Siblings of Alex Otti graduates are eligible).
DEADLINE
Applications close by midnight, Tuesday, 24th March, 2024. Any application not FULLY completed by the closing date WILL NOT be processed.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Candidates are to apply online at https://portal.alexottifoundation.org/register
FURTHER NOTES TO APPLICANTS
The scholarship is for residents in Abia State. There is no difference between those who ancestrally hail from the state and those whose families migrated from elsewhere. As long as you live in the state, even if you are schooling elsewhere in Nigeria, you are eligible.
Indigent students are those whose families cannot (or struggle to) afford the cost of tertiary education. Those with the means to pay for tertiary education should consider staying away from the scholarship as their way of giving back to society.
