THE i-Scholar Initiative (iSI) has officially welcomed 100 new scholarship awardees during its 2026 virtual onboarding event, reaffirming its commitment to mentoring and empowering young African students to pursue academic excellence through fully funded scholarship opportunities.
The event, themed ‘Unlocking Your Potential to Rise Beyond Barriers’, brought together board members, management officials, mentors, partners, beneficiaries, and newly selected scholars from around the world.
Speaking during the meeting, Chair of the Board of Trustees at iSI, Mrs. Tolulope Ewherido, described the initiative as a family committed to creating opportunities for talented students.
‘We know that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. What we do is invest our time and resources to create a bridge to the dreams and aspirations of our scholars,’ she said.
Mrs. Ewherido commended the Board of Trustees, the management committee, volunteers, and partners for their dedication to the organisation’s mission, noting that their contributions continue to transform lives across Africa.
Providing an overview of the organisation, President of iSI, Mr. Victor Ogunmola, explained that iSI was established in 2019 as a non-profit organisation in Nigeria and the United States with the vision of nurturing a self-driven generation for future leadership.
‘Our mission is to mentor and empower young African students in pursuing academic excellence at world-class universities through fully funded scholarships,’ he said.
He added that the organisation is run entirely by volunteers who contribute their time, expertise, and resources to support scholars.
Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Dr Seyi Ajayi highlighted the importance of supporting talented students who often face financial barriers to achieving their academic goals. He noted that iSI provides funding for standardised tests, application fees, mentorship opportunities, and moral support to scholars seeking admission into international universities.
The event also featured testimonials from past beneficiaries who shared how the programme had positively influenced their educational and professional journeys.
One of the beneficiaries, Esther Oyedele, a graduate student in Geology, shared how the initiative supported her financially and connected her with experienced mentors.
‘I have benefited from mentorship provided by seasoned professionals across the world. I have also had the opportunity to give back by mentoring upcoming scholars,’ she said.
Another award recipient, Rukaiya Oladusu, a graduate of the University of Lagos, expressed appreciation to the organisation for believing in her dreams.
‘This opportunity has made a goal that once seemed distant feel much more attainable. I am grateful for the investment in my future and look forward to contributing to the community,’ she said.
Vice President of Operations, Hanatu Kadir-Banjoko, officially unveiled the 2026 scholarship class and commended the awardees for their outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, community service, and strong performance during the selection process.
‘These scholars worked hard, submitted strong applications, and distinguished themselves throughout the interview process. We are proud to welcome them into the i-Scholar Initiative family,’ she said.
The onboarding session ended with words of encouragement from alumni and mentors, who urged the new scholars to maximise the opportunities available through the initiative, remain committed to excellence, and give back to society as future leaders.
The i-Scholar Initiative continues to support African students through mentorship, career development, and scholarship opportunities, helping them gain admission into leading universities globally.