Lagos: The Jimi Benson iCare Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has successfully acquired Chinese Government international scholarships for three students from Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos, enabling them to pursue academic programmes in China.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the beneficiaries-Oluwatobiloba Bello, Temitayo Faseyide, and Faith Nwobu-were selected following a competitive process. The selection involved numerous applications for educational support submitted to the constituency office of Mr. Babajimi Benson, who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The students were chosen based on their academic records, performance in previous educational institutions, and results from a screening exercise conducted by the foundation’s education team. Bello will pursue a PhD in National Development at Peking University, Faseyide will study Nursing at Jinzhou Medical University, and Nwobu will undertake a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at North Eastern University, Shenyang.
The new beneficiaries increase the total number of students from Ikorodu Federal Constituency studying in China through the foundation’s scholarship programme to four. Sadiq Jimoh, the fourth beneficiary, is already in China pursuing his master’s degree.
During a pre-departure engagement with the students, Benson congratulated them and encouraged them to maintain discipline and focus throughout their studies. He emphasized the importance of conducting themselves responsibly and being good ambassadors for Ikorodu and Nigeria while respecting the laws of their host country.
Benson highlighted that the scholarship is about more than just academic qualifications; it offers international exposure, professional relationships, and new perspectives. He urged the scholars to return with knowledge and experience that would contribute to the development of their communities and the country.
Mr. Deen Sanwoola, Director-General of the Jimi Benson iCare Foundation and Executive Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA), advised the students to remain committed to their programmes and avoid distractions. He encouraged them to emulate Jimoh, another beneficiary from the constituency who is succeeding in his master’s programme in China.
In response, the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to Benson and the foundation for facilitating the scholarships. Bello, Faseyide, and Nwobu pledged to remain focused on their studies, uphold high standards of conduct, and pursue academic excellence throughout their programmes, seeing the opportunity as a significant milestone in their academic and professional journeys.