Rewarding Hardwork: President Goodluck Jonathan Inaugurates Scholarship Scheme for First Class University Graduates

In a bid to reward graduates of Nigerian Universities who complete their studies with a first class degree, President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday inaugurated a special post-graduate scholarship scheme for them. He inaugurated a 10-man steering committee for the take off of the scheme, at the State House, Abuja.

He said the committee would commence the programme by selecting 100 beneficiaries on merit for post graduate scholarship in science and engineering courses in the best institutions in the world.

“Every year, we should tap from among our best brains, selecting our best brains. We are starting with 100 because we have not made adequate arrangement for funding but the number will increase when we make budgetary allocation for it in 2013.

“We select our best brain in the area of science, engineering and some areas of economics and expose them to the best facilities available in the world.

“The ministry of education and this committee will have to travel to these universities to negotiate for positions in the top 25 universities in the world.

“The idea is for you to benefit you must have a first class. It is based purely on merit, no quota. We are giving opportunity for best brains.”

President Jonathan said the beneficiaries of the scheme would, on completion of their studies, be mandated to work for the country for a period of five years as lecturers or researchers before they could be allowed to go in to their chosen careers. He tasked members of the committee to ensure transparency and merit in the choice of the prospective candidates.

Members of the committee include the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission Prof Julius Okojie (Chairman), the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, Dr Jamaila Shuara, Mrs Iddatu Abdullahi of the Federal Schorlarship Board, Professors Musa Alabe, Mohammed Sule , Mohammed Onogu, Olurotimi Tayo, William Okowa and Ikenna Onyibe. The Deputy Director, Tertiary Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, will serve as Secretary.

The post graduate scholarship is a laudable one, however, what do you think about the compulsory mandate to work for the country for a period of five years as lecturers or researchers before they would be allowed to go in to their chosen careers?

The President also mentioned that the scholarship scheme would be for graduates of science, engineering and some areas of economics. What do you think about this narrow selection of courses?

What do you think about the scholarship generally? How can members of the committee ensure transparency in selecting the prospective candidates?

Please share your thoughts.

News Source: Vanguard