New York – April 18 –  The Africa America Institute (AAI) today announced the selection of Covenant University as the second partner institution for the Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship. Both Covenant University in Nigeria and Ashesi University in Ghana were chosen by the executive leadership of the Jim Ovia Foundation.  Qualified African students from under-resourced communities will receive full tuition to cover their undergraduate degree, accommodation, mentoring support, books, and student travel. Applications for the scholarship are now being accepted through the general admission link at Covenant University.  http://covenantuniversity.edu.ng/

Mr. Jim Ovia, the Founder and Chairman of the Jim Ovia Foundation, announced the establishment of The Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship in partnership with the Africa-America Institute (AAI) at the 33rd Annual AAI Awards Gala, in September of 2017 during the United Nations General Assembly.

Mr. Ovia commented that, “I am very pleased that Covenant University has been selected as the AAI representative university in Nigeria.  The opportunity being offered these superb young students is ultimately designed to be a transformative moment in their lives. I am impressed by their commitment to their academics and the betterment of themselves and their communities.”

Kofi Appenteng, President and CEO of AAI, welcomed the selection of Covenant University and stated that “this generous gift from the Jim Ovia Foundation provides opportunities for more students to attain their Higher Education goals and we are thrilled to partner with Covenant University and Ashesi University for their holistic approach to academic success.”

Covenant University was selected based on its strong academic performance and commitment to mentoring and supporting the scholars during their studies at the institution. Founded in 2001, Covenant University was created on a Christian mission ethos and committed to pioneering excellence at the cutting edge of learning. They are driven by the compelling vision of raising a new generation of leaders on the platform of a holistic, human development and integrated learning curriculum, to raise young men and women who will go out to contribute towards the development of the continent. In 2016, Covenant University ranked first among Nigerian Universities (both private and public) with the most employable graduates, at 90% employability rate.   

According to Covenant University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AAA. Atayero, “the scholarship grant is remarkable because the partnership attests to the University’s commitment to excellence in research and leadership. Moreso, noting AAI’s precedence in strengthening human capacity and promoting development on the African continent for over 60 years, Covenant University is proud to be affiliated with AAI and the Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship Fund.”

The application process is currently open. To find out more information on how to apply, please visit the following link at www.aaionline.org

For more information: contact Chantal Uwizera, Director of Global Programs, –cuwizera@aaionline.org | +1 212 949-5666

About the Jim Ovia Foundation

Founded in 2004, the Jim Ovia Foundation is committed to investing in Nigerian youths’ unlimited and untapped potential as the key to their socioeconomic growth to enhance the standard of living of the society and increase human efficiency. Through its various programmes, the Jim Ovia Foundation aims to equip the youths by increasing their knowledge base and skills with education and Information Communication Technology (ICT). To date, the Jim Ovia Foundation has supported over 1,500 college students and entrepreneurs with over 500 million Naira in educational and entrepreneurial grants. www.jimoviafoundation.org

About Covenant University

Covenant University is a growing, dynamic vision-birthed, vision driven University, founded on a Christian mission ethos and committed to pioneering excellence at the cutting edge of learning. We are driven by the compelling vision of raising a new generation of Leaders for the African Continent on the platform of a Holistic, Human Development and integrated learning curriculum, in order to raise Total Men who will go out to develop their world. Our Core-Values of Spirituality, Possibility Mentality, Capacity Building, Integrity, Responsibility, Diligence and Sacrifice are what defines our commitment to excellence. http://covenantuniversity.edu.ng/

About the Africa-America Institute

AAI is the premiere US international organization dedicated to increasing educational opportunity for young Africans and improving global understanding of Africa. Since our founding in 1953, we have remained committed to promoting enlightened engagement between Africa and America through education, training and dialogue. We currently boast over 15,000 alumni leaders in public, private and non-governmental sectors throughout Africa and the African diaspora. To learn more, visit aaionline.org.