Selar, Africa’s premier platform for creators, is excited to announce the “Selar Tuition Fund,” a new initiative aimed at supporting Nigerian tertiary education students. The fund, totaling N5 million, is set to provide N100,000 in tuition assistance to each selected student, underscoring Selar’s dedication to alleviating the financial pressures faced by Nigerian students. This effort allows them to focus more on academic and career achievements.
The launch was detailed in a statement to Technext, highlighting the fund’s core mission: to lessen the financial strain on Nigerian students and foster an environment where they can pursue academic excellence and career growth. Selar’s initiative is not just about financial support; it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to contributing towards Nigeria’s educational goals, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal to ensure inclusive, equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning for everyone.
Based in Lagos, Selar is not just an online store builder but a thriving ecosystem empowering African creators and entrepreneurs to turn their expertise into profitable digital products. With a vibrant community of over 150,000 creators and more than 800,000 users, Selar is at the forefront of Africa’s digital entrepreneurship wave.
This initiative comes at a critical time, as Nigeria navigates through one of its toughest economic challenges in years, marked by soaring living costs. Such economic conditions have heightened concerns over the potential impact on the country’s youth and their socio-economic development.
Education expenses, particularly tuition fees at tertiary institutions nationwide, have seen a sharp increase, notably in public universities. Recent announcements from several federal universities have highlighted tuition and registration fee hikes exceeding 200%, significantly impacting students across the country.
The “Selar Tuition Fund” is set to become an annual effort, reflecting Selar’s strong commitment to enhancing educational access in Nigeria over the long term.
In its first year, the initiative is focused on supporting final-year students to navigate the rising costs of education, enabling them to complete their academic pursuits successfully. The fund is dedicated to assisting 50 final-year students, awarding each N100,000 to help alleviate their financial burdens.
Selar’s Founder/CEO, Douglas Kendyson, shared his insights:
“At the heart of Selar’s mission is enabling creators to monetize their knowledge. While today’s monetized knowledge often leans towards the informal, the value of formal education remains undeniable for everyone. It’s a bridge to opportunities that might otherwise remain inaccessible. This is the driving force behind our tuition fund. We believe in the transformative power of education and are thrilled to contribute to such a vital cause. We’re eager to meet the exceptional students who will benefit from this year’s fund.”
Beyond the financial aid, Selar is also dedicated to enriching the students’ educational journey by offering internship opportunities. These internships are designed to provide real-world experience, further promoting the recipients’ academic and professional development.
Eligibility for the Selar Tuition Support Grant requires applicants to fulfill the following criteria:
- Be a current final-year student at a Nigerian university.
- Have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 or above, or a cumulative grade of 65% or higher, verified by academic records.
- Submit a clear and compelling statement of purpose.
- Demonstrate a financial or economic need for assistance.
The application window for the Selar Tuition Support Project is scheduled from February 14th to February 21st, 2024.
Interested students must complete an application form available via this link, providing all required documentation to substantiate their eligibility and financial need. An independent committee will conduct a thorough evaluation of all submissions, focusing on the provided evidence. Notifications will be sent to successful candidates following the committee’s review.
