Nestlé Nigeria is deeply embedded in the concerns of its host communities. Those concerns which happen to be the everyday concerns of the average Nigerian is added impetus for Nestlé to do what it considers its duty by its host communities.
One of the ways it does this is by its annual scholarship programme which ensures that high achieving senior secondary and tertiary students pursuing studies in Science and Technology are empowered to stay the course of their studies without experiencing the pinch that forces indigent students to abandon their studies midway. This scholarship programme is exclusively for students in communities surrounding Nestlé operations.
Since launching the Community Scholarship in 2020, Nestlé’s commitment has seen its support take care of tuition, accommodation, uniforms, books, and other essential expenses, ensuring these students have the resources they need throughout their education journey.
In this current round, 90 verified indigenes will receive grants totaling N18 million. The application portal opens on November 5, 2024, and closes on December 8, 2024.
Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead, emphasized the company’s commitment to creating shared value, linking Nestlé’s success to the well- being of its host communities. She encouraged scholarship recipients to strive for academic excellence to stay competitive on a global scale. “These scholarships reflect our unwavering dedication to investing in the future of our youth. At a time when economic challenges place added strain on families nationwide, we’re proud to provide meaningful financial support that eases this burden. By investing in education, we’re not only empowering individual students but also fostering the growth and prosperity of our entire community.”
The call for entries announcement was made at the award ceremony for the 2023/2024 batch of recipients where 65 students from schools in Abaji, Agbara, and Sagamu were awarded scholarships.
One of the recipients from the award ceremony, Adeyemi Gbenga Daniel, a tertiary beneficiary studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos, said “This scholarship empowers us to pursue our dreams, fuels our passion for learning, and helps us explore opportunities that might have otherwise been out of reach”.
Traditional leaders of the recipient communities who were present at the event expressed gratitude for the company’s consistent efforts. The Ona of Abaji, the Alagbara of Agbara, and the Akarigbo of Remo Land, represented by their chiefs, praised Nestlé Nigeria for keeping its promises and making a real difference through its Creating Shared Value (CSV) initiatives. They recognized the positive effects on their communities, from educational support to youth empowerment, and promised their ongoing support for Nestlé’s operations, ensuring that the communities remain welcoming for business growth.
As the program continues to evolve, Nestlé remains focused on nurturing talent and encouraging academic excellence. By investing in the education of young people, the company seeks to create long-lasting positive impacts in its host communities, helping to shape a more promising future for Nigeria’s next generation of leaders and innovators.
To apply for the Nestlé Community Scholarship and take a step toward their future, Nestle has requested qualified indigenes of the host communities to please click here Nestlé Community Scholarship Application 2024 to access the application portal.
