Ezekwesili launches scholarship with Nexford University for Nigerian women

By Wilfred Francis

Presidential candidate ACPN and Former Minister of Education , Dr Oby Ezekwesili, has launched a scholarship program for Nigerian women in partnership with Nexford University.

The former World Bank official has also become the newest member of the next-generation university’s Global Advisory Board, which includes leading academics and practitioners, such as Dr Curtis Bonk, Professor of Instructional Systems Technology, Indiana University.

Ezekwesili, who stated that education was the “new oil,” will award five full scholarships to Nigerian women aged 16–25 to study on Nexford’s Bachelor of Business Administration BBA degree program, as the Oby Ezekwesili Scholarship Program is the American university’s first women-only scholarship.

“More work must go into widening access and opportunities for women to level the gender playing field.

“I believe Nexford scholarships will empower more women to study degrees and equip future leaders with the skills they need to shape our society. I hope recipients of the scholarship have a multiplier effect and encourage learners from any socioeconomic background to earn degrees.” she said

Newford’s CEO  Fald Al Tarzi stated that Africa remains one of most populous country and key market to the university.

“Africa’s most populous country is one of Nexford’s key markets.  A college degree will boost earnings by more than 20% in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the Economist’s analysis of World Bank Data. By bringing globally affordable, high-quality education to Nigeria we hope to play our part in spurring economic mobility.”

Also speaking was Chief Academic Officer Nexford, Dr Sheila Fournier-Bonilla “At Nexford, we’re proud to offer young talent a workplace-relevant curriculum.

“Nexford, based in Washington DC, surveyed industry leaders who employ more than 2.5 million people worldwide and analyzed over 30 million job postings to bridge the gap between learners and employers. Africa is the only region in the world where the youth population is increasing, so there’s a real demand for higher education aligned to the changing global needs of society.

“We have made the strategic decision to align with mission-driven partners and supporters, Dr Oby will bring unique and relevant insights to the board.”

Nexford’s Nigeria Country Manager Olamidun Majekodunmi, said “Dr Oby is the number one candidate for the university’s Advisory Board seat in Nigeria due to her passion for education, economic opportunities, and African development.”

Nexford University is a next-generation university based in Washington DC offering a competency based learning model. Nexford’s mission is to enable greater social and economic mobility by providing an affordable high-quality education that will positively impact millions of lives around the world. Learners from Egypt, the Philippines, Nigeria, and the US can apply to study at Nexford now.

Nexford offers the following degrees and certificates: Associate of Applied Science in Business (AAS), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), MBA, nine undergraduate certificates and three graduate certificates in the field of business. Nexford provides learners with a fully online global education based on mastery of competencies relevant in the workplace. A global team of faculty and advisors support learning and professional success through the innovative use of technology, such as AI and machine learning.


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