The Grooming Centre (GC) has granted N20 million in scholarships to 150 students across 55 tertiary institutions in Nigeria, emphasizing the need to bridge the gap between academics and industry. This initiative, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among young people, was announced at an award ceremony in Lagos.
Scholarship Process
From a total of 513 submitted proposals, 359 were shortlisted after a rigorous screening process that considered plagiarism, thematic alignment, data-driven results, and contextual relevance. The grants were awarded to **100 undergraduate** and **50 postgraduate** students.
Driving Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Dr. Godwin Nwabunka, CEO of Grooming Centre, highlighted the need for youths to transform challenges into opportunities:
> “Entrepreneurship is about seeing what others overlook and turning challenges into opportunities. This scholarship grant motivates research that can create champions capable of translating ideas into valuable services and products.”He also emphasized the need for mentorship, stating that recipients will be connected to an ecosystem that supports their growth and innovation:
> “We hope to collaborate with the Centre for Research in Enterprise and Action in Management (CREM) to foster closer ties between academics and industry.”
Promoting Entrepreneurial Education
Dr. Nwabunka revealed plans for a university focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and research to strengthen the integration of academic knowledge with practical applications.
> “We are trying to change the narrative in education by creating a system where academia and industry meet, driving impactful research and development.”
Expert Insights on Youth Empowerment
Guest lecturer, **Professor Adedeji Oyenuga of LASU’s Faculty of Social Sciences, noted that leveraging technological tools can guarantee employment for youths:
> “Entrepreneurship offers significant opportunities today that weren’t available before 2000. It’s essential for young people to use technology to create sustainable employment.”
Significance of the Initiative
The scholarship program not only encourages academic excellence but also inspires students to contribute to Nigeria’s economic transformation. By supporting innovative research, the Grooming Centre is equipping the next generation with the tools needed to address real-world challenges and foster sustainable development.
