The Florence Bamidele Makanjuola (FBM) Scholarship, offered by the Opekete Foundation, is now accepting applications for the 2024 academic year.
This prestigious scholarship aims to support and empower female Nigerian students pursuing education in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Nursing fields.
Scholarship Overview
The FBM Scholarship provides financial assistance to deserving female students in Nigeria who are either in secondary school or pursuing tertiary education.
The scholarship fund totals N1 million, with allocations of up to N350,000 per annum for secondary school students and up to N650,000 per annum for university students.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the FBM Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a female Nigerian citizen
- Be currently enrolled or have gained admission into a public university or senior secondary school
- Intend to study or be studying in the fields of Teaching (STEM) or Nursing
- Demonstrate financial need
Academic Requirements
For Secondary School Applicants:
- Minimum of 5 distinctions (A or B) in English, Mathematics, and three other major subjects in Junior WAEC
For University Applicants:
- Minimum of 5 distinctions (A1-B3) in English, Mathematics, and three other major subjects in WAEC/NECO at one sitting
- Meet the required JAMB cut-off score for the chosen course and school
Application Process
To apply for the Florence Bamidele Makanjuola Scholarship, follow these steps:
- Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements
- Visit the official application portal
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required supporting documents
- Submit your application before the deadline
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Completed online application form
- A 300-word essay describing why you deserve the scholarship
- O’Level/SSCE Result
- JAMB Result (for university applicants)
- LGA Identification (State of origin)
- Institution Admission Letter
- Birth Certificate
- Academic Transcript
- National Identity Number (NIN)
- Passport Photograph
Key Dates
- Application Deadline:Â September 15, 2024
- Award Announcement:Â October 30, 2024
Benefits of the Scholarship
The FBM Scholarship offers more than just financial support. Recipients will benefit from:
- Financial assistance for tuition and educational expenses
- Mentorship opportunities to develop personal and professional skills
- Participation in community projects to foster leadership and service
- Work placements to gain practical experience in their chosen fields
Selection Criteria
The selection process for the FBM Scholarship is rigorous and considers various factors, including:
- Academic excellence
- Financial need
- Commitment to pursuing a career in STEM or Nursing
- Leadership potential and community involvement
- Quality of the personal essay
Tips for a Successful Application
To increase your chances of being selected for the FBM Scholarship, consider the following tips:
- Start your application early to avoid last-minute rush
- Carefully review all eligibility requirements before applying
- Craft a compelling personal statement that highlights your passion for STEM or Nursing
- Showcase your academic achievements and extracurricular activities
- Proofread your application thoroughly before submission
Maintaining the Scholarship
Once awarded, recipients must maintain certain standards to continue receiving the scholarship:
- Secondary School awardees must maintain a 65% average across all subjects
- University awardees must achieve a minimum 3.5 out of 5 CGPA each semester
About the Opekete Foundation
The Opekete Foundation established the Florence Bamidele Makanjuola Scholarship in memory of Late Mrs. Florence Bamidele Makanjuola, who built a career in teaching and nursing.
The foundation aims to keep her dream alive by supporting the next generation of educators and healthcare professionals.
Impact of the Scholarship
The FBM Scholarship plays a crucial role in addressing several challenges in Nigeria’s education sector:
- Promoting Gender Equality:Â By focusing on female students, the scholarship helps bridge the gender gap in STEM and Nursing fields.
- Alleviating Financial Barriers:Â The scholarship provides much-needed financial support to students who might otherwise be unable to pursue higher education.
- Encouraging STEM Education:Â By prioritizing STEM and Nursing fields, the scholarship contributes to building a skilled workforce in these critical areas.
- Fostering Leadership:Â Through mentorship and community projects, the scholarship helps develop future leaders in education and healthcare.
How to Prepare for the Application
If you’re considering applying for the FBM Scholarship, here are some steps to help you prepare:
- Research the Foundation:Â Familiarize yourself with the Opekete Foundation’s mission and values to align your application accordingly.
- Gather Documents Early:Â Start collecting all required documents well before the deadline to avoid last-minute stress.
- Seek Recommendations:Â If required, approach teachers or mentors early for strong letters of recommendation.
- Draft Your Essay:Â Take time to craft a compelling personal statement that showcases your passion, achievements, and future goals.
- Review Past Recipients:Â If possible, look into profiles of previous scholarship winners to understand what the foundation values in applicants.
Conclusion
The Florence Bamidele Makanjuola Scholarship represents a significant opportunity for ambitious female Nigerian students pursuing careers in STEM and Nursing.
By providing financial support, mentorship, and practical experience, the scholarship aims to nurture the next generation of leaders in these critical fields.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about making a difference in STEM or Nursing, don’t miss this chance to apply. Remember, the deadline is September 15, 2024.
Apply Now and take the first step towards realizing your educational and career goals!
For more information and updates on the FBM Scholarship, visit the Opekete Foundation website or follow their social media channels.
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