Geology students at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, FUTMINNA, are set to benefit from a privately funded N1.1 million scholarship established by alumnus Wale Olorunleke.
The scholarship, tagged the Wale Olorunleke Scholarship for Excellence, was unveiled virtually on Tuesday.
It will provide a N200,000 award to the best graduating Geology student for the 2025/2026 academic session, and three N300,000 awards to eligible returning students in the 2026/2027 session.
Olorunleke described the scheme as his way of giving back to the institution that shaped his career.
“My education started with FUT Minna. People invested in me, and I learned that not everyone can go through life alone,” he said.
He recalled receiving support during his student years, including assistance with examination fees and opportunities created by people who believed in his potential.
“I met wonderful people as a student, and education gave me knowledge, confidence, and the ability to imagine opportunities beyond my circumstances. Returning to start this scholarship is about coming back to the place that shaped who I am,” Olorunleke added.
The scholarship will initially focus on the Department of Geology, with Olorunleke expressing hope that the programme would grow beyond its pilot phase.
“We are starting modestly and deliberately. The scholarship will begin with a N200,000 award for the best graduating Geology student, but I hope it grows into something much bigger, a platform that consistently rewards excellence,” he said.
The Best Graduating Student Award will be determined automatically using verified official academic records.
The three returning student awards will cover students progressing from 100 to 200 Level, 200 to 300 Level, and 300 to 400 Level.
Eligible applicants for the returning student category must be full-time Geology undergraduates with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a five point scale.
They must also demonstrate financial need, maintain good disciplinary standing, and not hold another scholarship covering the same need.
The scholarship funds may be used for tuition, accommodation, books and other approved academic expenses.
Representing the Registrar of FUTMINNA, Mallam Danladi Mallam, the Deputy Registrar, Academic, Mrs Omolola Alhassan, described the initiative as a significant contribution to the university and pledged institutional support for its continuity.
“He has done something remarkable by giving back to the institution and society that helped shape him,” Alhassan said.
She added that the university would work to ensure the scheme continued beyond its founder and benefited future generations of students.
“We are committed to doing everything within our capacity to ensure that this scholarship scheme outlives its initiator and continues to impact generations of students,” she said.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
