Tunde Onakoya backs N250m scholarship fund for corps members, graduates

By Folashade Olorunfemi –

Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has backed a N250 million scholarship fund aimed at helping corps members and recent graduates acquire in-demand technology skills.

The initiative, launched in partnership with Jobs59 founder Sam Otigba and AltSchool Africa founder HackSultan, will provide N160,000 scholarships for successful applicants to enrol in any diploma programme at AltSchool Africa, alongside career support, internship opportunities and free laptops for selected beneficiaries.

Announcing the initiative via his X handle on Thursday, Otigba said the programme was designed to promote education and equip young graduates with skills that lead to employment.

“That’s why Tunde Onakoya, HackSultan and I are launching a N250 million scholarship fund to help recent graduates gain real, in-demand tech skills that lead to jobs,” Otigba said.

According to the organisers, each successful applicant will receive N10,000 toward the application fee and N150,000 toward tuition, bringing the total scholarship value to N160,000. The scholarship is open to current and prospective NYSC corps members as well as recent NYSC alumni.

The programmes will run for nine to 12 months, with participants becoming eligible to apply for internships from the sixth month. Beneficiaries will also receive job placement support through Jobs59, career mentorship and portfolio development guidance.

Speaking on the benefits of the programme, Onakoya said the initiative would help young Nigerians build discipline, resilience and practical career skills while preparing them for opportunities after the NYSC programme.