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By Damiete Braide
The Awele Ilusanmi Foundation (AIF) has awarded its maiden undergraduate scholarships to two Nigerian students, fulfilling its commitment to expanding access to education, promoting literacy and supporting young people in their pursuit of academic excellence.
The beneficiaries are Miss Celina Chinwemmeri Ikechukwu, a 400-level Optometry student at the University of Benin, Edo State, and Mr Oyelade Adeyemi Testimony, a 200-level Information and Communication Engineering student at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The scholarships, which commenced on October 3, 2026, will cover Ikechukwu’s remaining three years of study for her Doctor of Optometry degree and Testimony’s remaining four years of his Bachelor of Engineering programme.
As part of the initial disbursement, the foundation paid ₦100,000 in school fees for Ikechukwu and ₦150,000 for Testimony, marking the beginning of its financial commitment to their education.
According to the foundation’s chairperson, Dr Awele Ilusanmi, described the initiative as part of the organisation’s efforts to create educational opportunities and invest in the future of young Nigerians.
According to the foundation, the scholarship goes beyond tuition payments, as both beneficiaries will receive monthly foodstuffs and provisions, welfare pocket money and internet data support to help meet their everyday needs and enable them to concentrate on their studies.The foundation explained that its approach recognises that supporting students requires attention not only to their academic expenses but also to their general wellbeing.
It added that the beneficiaries were discovered through the Authors’ Hub WhatsApp Group, demonstrating its commitment to providing opportunities to qualified students regardless of how they connect with the organisation.
Ikechukwu said the scholarship meant more to her than financial assistance, noting that it reflected the willingness of individuals and organisations to invest in the growth and future of others. She thanked Ilusanmi for believing in her and supporting her education.
Testimony also expressed appreciation, saying the payment of his school fees had lifted a significant financial burden and renewed his determination to pursue his academic dreams. He described the support as an expression of love, sacrifice and encouragement.
The foundation said the scholarship scheme aligned with its broader mission of creating a society, where young people and aspiring authors would have access to books, quality education, leadership opportunities and knowledge capable of transforming their lives and communities.
Beyond educational support, the organisation is committed to promoting reading culture, encouraging literary development and improving the welfare of authors through sustainable programmes.
Ilusanmi, an award-winning author, mentor and literary advocate widely known as the “Queen of Books”, has spent more than two decades promoting reading, writing and publishing in Nigeria.
She is the founder of the Literary Authors Cooperative Multipurpose Society of Nigeria (LiTACO) and Book Marketing Class Africa, initiatives through which she supports emerging writers with mentorship, training and book promotion.
Congratulating the beneficiaries, Ilusanmi urged them to make effective use of the opportunity and maintain exemplary standards in character and learning.
Through the maiden awards, the foundation said it hopes to strengthen its commitment to nourishing minds, building futures and empowering individuals through education and knowledge.
