Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has collaborated with Sam Otigba, founder of Jobs59, and HackSultan, founder of AltSchool Africa, to launch a ₦250 million scholarship program. The program aims to prepare NYSC members and recent graduates with in-demand digital skills.
The initiative offers ₦160,000 scholarships for diploma programs at AltSchool Africa, coupled with career guidance, internship possibilities, job placement support, and free computers for chosen beneficiaries.
Otigba announced the initiative on X, saying it was aimed to combat youth unemployment by assisting graduates in acquiring practical technical skills that will increase their employability.
Successful applicants will receive ₦10,000 for application fees and ₦150,000 for tuition.
The scholarship is available to serving corps members, prospective corps members, and recent NYSC alumni.
Students can enroll in diploma programs such as AI-Powered Fullstack Engineering, Cybersecurity, Cloud Engineering, Data Analysis, Technical Product Management, and Digital Marketing Automation and Sales.
The programmes will last between nine and twelve months, with participants expected to begin applying for internships in the sixth month.
How to Apply for Tunde Onakoya Scholarship Fund and Free Laptop Initiative
1. Visit the NYSC to Tech Job Scholarship Portal.
2. Fill out the scholarship application form with your NYSC data.
3. Choose your favorite AltSchool Africa diploma programme.
4. Submit your application for eligibility assessment.
5. Successful applicants will receive admissions advice and scholarship assistance.
Applicants who do not own a laptop can apply for the Laptop Scholarship Add-on, which will provide free laptops to selected beneficiaries to help them with their studies.
According to the organizers, laptop support requires a separate application process after applying for the scholarship.
Available diploma programmes
Beneficiaries may enroll in any of the following courses:
- AI-Powered Full Stack Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud Engineering.
- Data analysis.
- Technical Product Management.
- Digital marketing automation and sales.
Benefits of the Programme
Successful applicants will get various benefits, including:
- Financial assistance through the ₦250 million scholarship project.
- Access to technology and digital skill development.
- Laptop computers are provided free of charge to chosen beneficiaries.
- Opportunities to develop practical skills that will enhance employment.
- Throughout the learning process, you will receive career development support and guidance.
Conclusion
The organisers stated that scholarship candidates would also receive internship opportunities, job placement support through Jobs59, career mentorship, and portfolio development guidance.
According to Otigba, the project aims to help young graduates turn their service year into a career-building opportunity.
“In addition to technical training, participants will receive career support and internship/job opportunities from Jobs59.”
“We also know that learning without a laptop is a major barrier, so we’ll be providing laptops to a select number of scholarship recipients through an additional application process,” he added.
Tunde Onakoya, the programme’s youth development partner, stated that the idea would help young Nigerians gain discipline, resilience, and practical career skills while preparing them for chances beyond the NYSC training.
