A privately funded N1.1m scholarship scheme has been established by Wale Olorunleke, an alumnus of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, to support Geology students at the institution. The scholarship, unveiled virtually on Tuesday, aims to reward academic excellence and alleviate financial pressure on students. The scheme, dubbed the Wale Olorunleke Scholarship for Excellence, will provide financial assistance to deserving students.
The scholarship will offer a N200,000 award to the best graduating Geology student for the 2025/2026 academic session. Additionally, three N300,000 awards will be given to eligible returning students in the 2026/2027 academic session. The awards are designed to support students progressing from 100 to 200 Level, 200 to 300 Level, and 300 to 400 Level. Eligible applicants must be full-time Geology undergraduates with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a five-point scale.
Olorunleke, who described the scheme as a way of giving back to the institution that shaped his career, noted that financial support and encouragement could help talented students realise their potential. He recalled receiving support during his student years, including assistance with examination fees and opportunities created by people who believed in his potential. This experience inspired him to establish the scholarship scheme.
The alumnus expressed hope that the programme would expand beyond its pilot phase, starting modestly with a focus on the Department of Geology. He noted that the scholarship would begin with a N200,000 award for the best graduating Geology student, but he hopes it grows into something much bigger, a platform that consistently rewards excellence. The scholarship funds may be used for tuition, accommodation, books, and other approved academic expenses.
The Best Graduating Student Award will be determined automatically using verified official academic records. Eligible applicants for the returning-student category must demonstrate financial need, maintain good disciplinary standing, and not hold another scholarship covering the same need. The scholarship scheme has received commendation from the university, with the Deputy Registrar, Academic, Mrs Omolola Alhassan, describing it as a significant contribution to the university.
The university has pledged institutional support for the continuity of the scholarship scheme. Mrs Alhassan stated that the university would work to ensure the scheme continued beyond its founder and benefited future generations of students. The institution is committed to doing everything within its capacity to ensure that this scholarship scheme outlives its initiator and continues to impact generations of students.
The Wale Olorunleke Scholarship for Excellence is a testament to the impact of alumni on their alma mater. The scheme is expected to inspire other alumni to give back to their institutions and make a positive impact on the lives of students. The scholarship will go a long way in supporting Geology students at FUT Minna and motivating them to excel academically.
Key points
- The scholarship scheme will provide a N200,000 award to the best graduating Geology student and three N300,000 awards to eligible returning students.
- The scheme aims to reward academic excellence and alleviate financial pressure on Geology students at FUT Minna.
- The university has pledged institutional support for the continuity of the scholarship scheme.
