Problem Statement

In Nigeria, financial barriers continue to hinder access to quality education. According to UNESCO, over 10.5 million children in Nigeria are out of school, with many unable to afford entrance exams, tuition, and learning materials. Among those who do gain admission, financial instability often forces them to drop out, limiting their ability to contribute meaningfully to society. In rural communities, where Africa-RII operates, many promising students face these challenges, making the need for structured educational support urgent.

Previous Attempts & Limitations

Before the establishment of the Àjùmòbí Scholarship, Africa-RII had been involved in various educational interventions, including free summer schools, mentorship programs, and skill acquisition initiatives. While these efforts provided short-term support, they lacked a sustainable financial aid framework for students

pursuing higher education. Many students who excelled in summer school programs struggled to further their studies due to financial constraints, prompting the need for a structured scholarship model.

Africa-RII’s Approach: The 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.