Funmi Ogundare
For their outstanding performance in the 2021 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) has awarded scholarships to the engineering candidates to enrich the management and practice of the profession in the country.
The NSE last year had instituted a scholarship award of N16 million to encourage candidates who intend to study engineering-related courses in the university. The beneficiaries will enjoy a scholarship of N1,000,000 each for five years after gaining admission into the university of their choice studying Engineering.
The beneficiaries include Miss Agnes Maduafokwa, who scored 365 in UTME and is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at Duke University, USA.
Master David Nwobi got 363, studying Mechanical Engineering at Covenant University, Ota, Master Osom Akan scored 353, studying Computer Engineering at Covenant University.
Others are Miss Favour Ogundele, who had 352, studying Civil Engineering at the University of Ilorin, and Master Fejiro Akakabota, who also scored 352, studying Mechanical Engineering in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
Speaking at the presentation of cheques in Lagos, the President of NSE, Babagana Mohammed, expressed excitement about the initiative.
He said, “It is also a furtherance of the society’s strategic mission and objective of incentivising young, bright minds to study engineering.”
He recalled the 2020 programme when 16 top UTME candidates were awarded, saying as a way of keeping track of their progress, they were attached to engineering icons for mentorship to bridge the gap.
The beneficiaries expressed excitement about the scholarship, saying it will spur them to work hard, adding that both boys and girls can study courses in Engineering so far you have passion for it.
Mrs. Maduafokwa, who received the cheque on behalf of her daughter, thanked God for what Agnes had achieved. “We are happy about it, and we pray that she would even do much more. She has always wanted to study Mechanical Engineering and help solve problems, and she is excited to be doing that now.”
She advised parents always to encourage their children, as they need the motivation to take them to a higher level to become the very best they want to be.
“School is not a scam. It sets you apart and prepares you for the journey ahead. They shouldn’t take it likely, but aspire to get the best out of school.”
