Àjùmòbí Scholarship

The Àjùmòbí Scholarship, launched under Africa-RII, takes an innovative approach to educational and social intervention. Rooted in the Yoruba cultural principle of self-reliance and community responsibility, the scholarship is designed to support students financially while fostering an ethical and service-oriented mindset.

Founding Ethos

The scholarship is built on four key pillars:

• Education as a Right – Positioning education as a tool for empowerment.
• Self-Awareness and Reflexivity – Encouraging personal growth and social responsibility.
• Discouraging Entitlement Culture – Instilling a sense of hard work, integrity, and self-worth.
• Intergenerational and Cross-Cultural Collaboration – Building networks of solidarity across local and global communities.

Philosophical Framework

Derived from the Yoruba proverb “ Ajumobi ko kan ti aanu, eni ori/Olorun ba ran si ni, ni i se ni l’oore” – the ethical principle of attracting generosity and empathy to oneself defies the logic or sentiment of kinship ties,  it is often the interplay between the individual’s responsibility and his/her luck.

Scholarship Structure

The program offers support in key areas:

1. Examination Fee Sponsorship – Covering costs for entrance exams such as JAMB for students in financial need.
2. Undergraduate Support – Providing monthly stipends, tuition assistance, learning materials, and mentorship.
3. Sustainability & Community Engagement – Beneficiaries are encouraged to give back through mentorship, volunteering, and leadership development.

Progress Report (Yearly Breakdown)

2024: Laying the Foundation

• Pilot Phase: The first cohort of beneficiaries received JAMB registration support. 
• 7 individuals awarded, N31,500 disbursed
• Awardees admitted into Obafemi Awolowo University, Ogun state polytechnic, Polytechnic Offa, Ladoke Akintola University and Technical University, Ibadan.
• Awardees studying Microbiology, Public Health, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Cyber Security Science and Biochemistry.
• Scholarship Fundraising: Donations from individual contributors and partners initiated financial backing.
• Public Awareness & Community Engagement: Scholarship structure and eligibility criteria were developed and shared within the community.

2025: Full Implementation

• Expanded Coverage: More students received JAMB registration, tuition and accommodation support.
• 37 individuals awarded, N506,000 disbursed
• Mentorship & Capacity Building: Scholars participated in leadership and career mentorship programs.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with educational institutions and donors strengthened funding sustainability.

Results So Far

• 44 individuals awarded
• N537,600 disbursed

Looking Ahead

Africa-RII aims to scale the scholarship to support more students annually, integrate digital learning resources, and establish an endowment fund for long-term sustainability. Through continuous engagement and strategic partnerships, the Àjùmòbí Scholarship is set to become a transformative model for community-driven education in Nigeria.