Alex Otti Foundation invites applications for 2021/2022 scholarships

The Alex Otti Foundation (AOF) has announced the opening of applications for the 2021/2022 edition of its undergraduate scholarship scheme.

The scheme was established to assist indigent students ancestrally from or resident in Abia State with financial support to facilitate their educational pursuits.

A statement issued at the weekend by the foundation’s Coordinating Director, Mr Chinedu Ekeke, said the scholarships will be awarded on the basis of strong personal academic background, leadership potential, and a demonstrated desire to use the acquired knowledge to contribute to societal development.

No fewer than 60 students, residents of Abia State, and in schools across Nigeria, are currently benefitting from this programme.

Ekeke said the Alex Otti Foundation recognises the role quality education plays in the development of minds and character of the individual and inculcating in them the skills with which to succeed in life and contribute to the society.

“The Alex Otti Foundation (AOF) recognises this link and actively seeks to build a virile Nigerian society through meaningful interventions in education, awarding undergraduate scholarships to indigent students yearly.

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“Winners should, upon completion of their studies, apply their talents and knowledge in improving the lives of others. Over time, the Foundation expects its scholarship beneficiaries to form a strong network of leaders who will individually and collectively contribute to the wellbeing of Abia State in particular, and Nigeria in general,” Ekeke said.

According to the statement, successful candidates will be required to maintain a CGPA of at least 3.5 (every session) for those studying in universities (or its equivalent, for those in other tertiary institutions) every academic session to continue to enjoy the scholarship until they graduate.

The scheme is only open to students who are currently in 2nd-year (200 Level) in any government-owned tertiary institution in Nigeria.

“The candidates must have at least CGPA of 3.5 – for universities (or its equivalent, for other tertiary institutions) in their first academic session (that is, First Year).

“Candidates must submit a statement of result for their first academic session (that is, First Year) signed by the Department/Faculty’s Admin Officer (who rightfully is a representative of the registrar in the department or faculty). This statement can be submitted during the final interview (for shortlisted candidates).

“Candidates must present a letter of recognition by their community/religious group leader or electricity bill of the last three months preceding the month of interview, to prove they currently reside in Abia State.

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“Candidates must submit a 1,200-word essay telling us: (a) about their nuclear family, situating themselves within it; (b) a time they were part of a community, and their contributions to the community; and (c) what they think about giving back to the society.

“Candidates must provide valid means of identification,” the statement stated.

The statement further stated that siblings of, that is, children who share the same parents with current AOF scholarship beneficiaries are not eligible, and will not be until their sibling’s current scholarship runs its full course.

Applications will close by midnight, Saturday, 31st December, 2021 and any application not fully completed by the closing date will not be processed, the statement declared.

Candidates are expected to apply online at http://alexottifoundation.org/portal/register.php#loginform