An alumnus of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Wale Olorunleke, has launched a privately funded N1.1 million scholarship scheme for Geology students of the institution.
The Wale Olorunleke Scholarship for Excellence, unveiled virtually on Tuesday, is designed to reward academic performance while providing financial support to students.
Under the scheme, the best graduating Geology student for the 2025/2026 academic session will receive N200,000, while three returning students will each receive N300,000 during the 2026/2027 academic session.
Olorunleke said the initiative was his way of giving back to the university, which he credited with helping to shape his career.
He recalled receiving support during his own time as a student, including assistance with examination fees and opportunities from people who believed in his potential.
“My education started with FUT Minna. People invested in me, and I learned that not everyone can go through life alone,” he said.
The scholarship will initially cover students in the Department of Geology, although Olorunleke expressed hope that the programme would expand in the future.
He said the best graduating student would be selected using verified academic records, while the three returning-student awards would cover students progressing from 100 to 200 Level, 200 to 300 Level and 300 to 400 Level.
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 be receiving another scholarship covering the same need.
According to the scheme's guidelines, recipients may use the funds for tuition, accommodation, books and other approved academic expenses.
Representing the Registrar of FUT Minna, Deputy Registrar, Academic, Mrs Omolola Alhassan, described the scholarship as a significant contribution to the university.
She pledged the institution's support for the continuity of the programme.
Alhassan said the university would work towards ensuring that the initiative continued beyond its founder and benefited future generations of students.
Olorunleke said the scholarship was starting on a modest scale but expressed hope that it would develop into a long-term platform for recognising and supporting academic excellence.
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