Nestlé Nigeria Plc. says through its Community Scholarship Scheme (CSS), it has begun work toward addressing the challenges of low enrollment in many developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa due to inadequate infrastructure. The company said in a statement on Tuesday that lack of quality education opportunities in secondary and tertiary institutions, accessibility and affordability […]
Nestlé Nigeria Plc. says through its Community Scholarship Scheme (CSS), it has begun work toward addressing the challenges of low enrollment in many developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa due to inadequate infrastructure.
The company said in a statement on Tuesday that lack of quality education opportunities in secondary and tertiary institutions, accessibility and affordability were the top issues that limit the ability of the youth to obtain credible education.
The statement quoted the company’s Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager of Nestlé Nigeria Plc., Mrs Victoria Uwadoka, as saying this during the launch of the CSS scheme in Abeokuta, Ogun.
Uwadoka said that Nestle was offering youths in senior secondary and tertiary institutions the opportunity to obtain quality education through the commencement of its Community Scholarship Scheme.
She said: “in line with our commitment to building thriving communities, Nestlé Nigeria is happy to announce the commencement of this initiative.
“We believe that communities cannot thrive if they fail to offer a future for younger generations. We recognise quality education as an essential element in community advancement.
“We will continue to invest in the education and capacity development of the youth. This is critical to achieving equitable and sustainable development for present and future generations.
“This also includes addressing the challenges of youths who form a large percentage of the population in our host communities.’ ’
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Education and Science, represented by Mr Mayowa Odufuwa, said that the ministry appreciated Nestlé’s efforts at giving back to the society, especially her host communities through her Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
According to Odufunwa, the initiative will further motivate students as it will create healthy competition and embolden them to study harder and achieve more in their academic pursuits.
One of the beneficiaries of the scholarship, Eniola Okubote, a first year Electrical & Electronics Engineering student of the University of Lagos, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Nestlé for the generosity.
Okubote said that the scholarship had taken young men and women with big dreams many steps closer to achieving their goals.
Forty-nine students drawn from communities around the company’s Flowergate factory by Sagamu Interchange and Abaji factory are beneficiaries of the maiden community scholarship awards.
The company trusts that the scheme will go a long way towards building the next generation of science and technology professionals who will contribute to the industrial advancement of the country.
