Nestlé Nigeria has opened applications for its annual Community Scholarship Program, reaffirming its dedication to fostering the potential of young Nigerians in science and technology. The program, launched in 2020, targets high-achieving senior secondary and tertiary students from communities surrounding Nestlé’s operations, offering financial support to help ease educational expenses.
This year, Nestlé will grant a total of N18 million to 90 qualified students from its host communities. The scholarship, covering tuition, accommodation, uniforms, books, and other essential expenses, aims to provide students with the resources they need to excel. The application portal opened on November 5, 2024, and will close on December 8, 2024.
Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead, highlighted the company’s commitment to community development through education. She emphasized the importance of investing in Nigeria’s youth, stating, “These scholarships reflect our unwavering dedication to investing in the future of our youth. At a time when economic challenges place added strain on families nationwide, we’re proud to provide meaningful financial support that eases this burden. By investing in education, we’re not only empowering individual students but also fostering the growth and prosperity of our entire community.”
The call for applications follows the recent award ceremony for the 2023/2024 batch, where 65 students from Abaji, Agbara, and Sagamu received scholarships. One recipient, Adeyemi Gbenga Daniel, a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Lagos, expressed gratitude, saying, “This scholarship empowers us to pursue our dreams, fuels our passion for learning, and helps us explore opportunities that might have otherwise been out of reach.”
Traditional leaders from the host communities, including representatives for the Ona of Abaji, the Alagbara of Agbara, and the Akarigbo of Remo Land, praised Nestlé for its sustained support and Creating Shared Value (CSV) initiatives. They acknowledged the impact of Nestlé’s investment in education and pledged their continued support for the company’s operations.
As the scholarship program evolves, Nestlé remains focused on nurturing young talent and encouraging academic excellence. Through this investment, the company aims to create lasting positive impacts within its host communities, helping shape a promising future for Nigeria’s next generation of leaders and innovators.