The David Edward Dickson Educational Foundation has awarded scholarships to 25 students selected from across tertiary institutions in Nigeria for its latest scholarship programme. The beneficiaries were chosen after a rigorous screening and interview process designed to identify students who demonstrated academic excellence and financial need. This initiative aims to support students who might otherwise struggle to pursue their education due to financial challenges.
The Chairman of the foundation and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and Vice-Chancellor Designate of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Peter Olapegba, disclosed that the foundation received more than 600 applications before narrowing down to slightly over 100 candidates for interviews. The final beneficiaries were selected after verifying their financial circumstances, academic records, and eligibility for the scholarship. Olapegba emphasized that the foundation ensured successful applicants were not already benefiting from another scholarship and had attained the required academic standard.
The foundation, established in August 2024 in memory of late David Dickson, the first son of the Edward Dickson family, focuses on education due to its role in improving lives and breaking the cycle of poverty. Olapegba highlighted that education is the bedrock of development and a key to breaking out of poverty, especially for those from humble backgrounds. The foundation's mission is to support academically strong students who might otherwise struggle to pursue their education due to financial challenges.
Olapegba urged the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies and justify the confidence placed in them. He advised them to avoid conduct that could jeopardize their education, including actions that could lead to expulsion or rustication. Olapegba also encouraged the beneficiaries to become ambassadors of the foundation and, in future, support other less privileged students. He called on parents to monitor the academic progress of the beneficiaries and provide the necessary support to ensure they remained focused.
Deborah Dickson, David's sister, spoke about his personality and the values that inspired the foundation established in his memory. She described her brother as a selfless person who believed in giving and making a positive difference in the lives of others. The decision to sustain his legacy through the scholarship programme reflects the values David believed in, particularly the importance of helping others and giving people opportunities to improve their lives.
Beneficiaries of the scholarship have expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the support. Abass Oluwapelumi Susan, a medical student at Olabisi Onabanjo University, said she was grateful to have been selected after repeatedly applying for scholarship opportunities. Alaka Idris, a 200-level Computer Science student at the University of Ilorin, commended the foundation for investing in young people and urged it to continue supporting academically talented students.
Parents of the beneficiaries have also commended the foundation for providing financial support to students who have demonstrated academic excellence. Mrs Adebola Lankwejo, speaking on behalf of parents, congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to make the most of the support. She encouraged them to excel in their studies and extend similar assistance to others when they are in a position to do so.
Key points
- The David Dickson Foundation has awarded scholarships to 25 Nigerian students to support their education and help them break the cycle of poverty.
- The foundation received over 600 applications and selected beneficiaries based on their academic excellence and financial need.
- The scholarship programme aims to continue supporting students until graduation, subject to beneficiaries maintaining the required cumulative grade point average.
