When I was about to start my university education, I was worried sick of how I was going to manage till my final year; mum was a single parent with the burden of raising three children. The thought of four years alone was a terrible nightmare. My elder sibling was already in university and, being close to her, I could see the problems she had to go through. When our mum was late in paying her school fees or sending her money for upkeep, I saw how she hustled to make up for the lack. She would buy and sell knock-off designer clothes that she bought from Balogun market… it was a pain to watch, but I took consolation in the fact that she was putting to practice her entrepreneurial skills!
When I gained admission into the University of Abuja to study accounting, instead of being excited, I was worried sick! Months prior to resumption I was on the internet looking for an opportunity that I hoped would help cushion the effect of the impending stress. I couldn’t make serious headway. I resumed with my heart in my mouth. I struggled through and could barely look my mother in the eye. In my 2nd year, I was finally lucky – I stumbled on the MTN Foundation Science and Technology Scholarship Scheme(STSS) and things changed. What was the catch? None! I took the tests, I was shortlisted and invited for an assessment. I was expected to come along with 2 recent passport photographs, original and photocopy of a valid student ID card; any other means of identification (National ID card, International passport or Driver’s license); admission letter from JAMB and some other documents. I passed through the stages and I was a scholar!
All I needed to do was continue school, maintain or improve my grade in the category of a 3.5 CGPA or its equivalent.
Now, I am in my final level, and I have enjoyed every benefit of the scholarship scheme – workshop, friendships, etc. So, for thousands of Nigerian students whose parents don’t have the means to see them through school, we face the burden of struggling through higher institutions with little or no help, and I understand too well. You can imagine the excitement for a chance at the MTN Foundation schemes – Science and Technology Scholarship Scheme(STSS) and Scholarship Scheme for Blind Students (SSBS). To get the worry of school fees and upkeep off one’s back! #COVID has put a pause to few things but life continues, and for those like me, there is always a way out… you just need to be patient.
- Somto is a 400-level student of the University of Abuja
Cross-section of recipients of the MTN Scholarship scheme during a workshop 