The Nigerian government has promised to award full scholarship to Jennifer Efemonghe, a student who doubles as a labourer.
Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare made this known in a statement released via Twitter by his special adviser on ICT and corporate relations, Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola.
Efemonghe shot into the limelight following an interview with Legit and a subsequent one with BBC where the 20-year-old student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo state revealed that she always went to construction sites to make N2k daily.
According to Dare, the young lady’s hardworking spirit was impressive and earned her access to the scholarship scheme.
The 200 level student of banking and finance, who said she was initially embarrassed after being mocked by her friends, explained that she was working as a labourer to help finance her education and help her less-privileged family.
The minister said Efemonghe will be seen through the remaining years in the university, adding that “her tuition and accommodation bills” will be catered for.
The statement reads in part; “Minister of Youth and Sports, HM @SundayDareSD under DAD Foundation awards scholarship to hardworking Nigerian Youth.
After the captivating @BBCAfrica interview with Okuro Jennifer Efemonghe showcasing how she carries cement at sites for her to be able meet her needs….
The Minister has committed to paying both her tuition and accommodation bills till she leaves the institution in 3yrs time.
His only requests to the 20yr old are that she should be a good representative of the youth by achieving academic excellence.
The Minister admonished her to no longer return to the menial Labour cement carrying field job but face her studies with all passion.”
