First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Assures Continued Support for RHI Scholars, Disburses ₦47m in 3rd Tranche

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Assures Continued Support for RHI Scholars, Disburses ₦47m in 3rd Tranche

…47 beneficiaries receive ₦1m each, new laptops

The First Lady of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the uninterrupted education of scholars under the RHI National Scholarship Programme (NASP).

Speaking during a mid-term assessment and interactive session with the 47 beneficiaries of the scheme on Tuesday, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that the initiative goes beyond politics, describing it as a life-changing programme designed to secure the future of young Nigerians.

“This is a scheme we have to continue. It is not about politics; it is about people’s lives,” the First Lady said. “No matter the duration of your studies, the RHI will support you until you graduate.”

She encouraged the scholars to maximize the opportunity by acquiring additional skills and seeking innovative ways to earn income without disrupting their academics.

The interactive session also featured remarks from other key figures, including the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, who urged beneficiaries to remain focused, and the Wife of the Imo State Governor, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, who advised them to embrace savings and self-belief. Similarly, the Wife of the Kwara State Governor, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq, recommended research and academic assistance roles for those less inclined toward entrepreneurship.

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the scholarship as “more than financial aid,” noting that with the new laptops provided, students could leverage NITDA platforms to access digital skills and opportunities.

Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, highlighted the administration’s broader investment in education, revealing that the ministry had disbursed about ₦4 billion in scholarships to over 8,500 students in the past two years. He also noted that more than 500,000 students had accessed the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, with about ₦100 billion released so far.

Of the 47 current beneficiaries, 55 percent are pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses such as medicine, nursing, engineering, and food science. The awardees—drawn from the 36 states, the FCT, and associations including DEPOWA, NOWA, NAOWA, POWA, and NCWS, as well as four rescued students of Dutsin-Ma—each received ₦1 million and a brand-new laptop.

The scholarships cover disciplines ranging from Medicine and Surgery, Law, Civil Engineering, and Nursing to Mass Communication, Agricultural Economics, Biochemistry, Political Science, and Performing Arts.

Since the scheme began in August 2023, the RHI has disbursed funds in three tranches: the first in August 2023 (with laptops), the second in September 2024, and the latest disbursement on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.