Austin Oyibode, South South Bureau Chief
The United States Consulate General in Lagos has provided opportunity for highly talented, economically disadvantaged students in Nigeria who lack financial resources to access information to better their educational futures.
According to a statement made available by the US consulate, the agency is asking for assistance in identifying highly talented but economically disadvantaged students who are currently in SS3 with an ‘A’ average or 90 percent average.
The statement added: “We will also consider those who graduated from high school in 2017 with a WAEC result that shows at least 8 (eight) A’s. If they have taken A levels, then their results must be all A’s or A*. If they have taken both WAEC and A’ levels, both results must have an “A” average.
It further added: “If they have taken only the IGCSE, they are not eligible to apply. Kindly consider all extremely bright students, especially female ones. They must be well rounded students who have the potential of succeeding, who are leaders in their schools and communities, who are highly motivated and involved in extracurricular activities but are financially disadvantaged.
“Students who have won national and international competitions, in addition to being “A” students, stand the best chance. Please invite them to apply on our website: http://educationusanigeria.org/”
The statement said the EducationUSA advisor will work with selected participants from July 2018 – August 2019 to try to secure places and financial assistance to begin study in the U.S. in August 2019.
It said the Opportunity Funds Programme will finance expenses involved in the college application process such as payment for standardized tests, application fees, CSS profile fee, visa and SEVIS fees.
According to the release: “If they are admitted with full funding, the OFP will pay for their flight tickets to the U.S. Successful students will be part of a global network of EducationUSA Opportunity Funds students from more than 20 countries and four continents.”
It explained that its objective is to increase the chances of students to find admission and scholarships, noting that entrance into the programme is no guarantee of a scholarship or financial assistance.
“the plan is to shortlist 20 best students to be interviewed where six potential students will be selected. The success of a student’s application to the U.S. depended largely on the outcome of his/her SAT scores, outcome of their WASSCE or A’ levels, essays as well as their achievements and involvement outside the classroom.
The statement added that the agency will work with selected students through regular seminars to assist them throughout the application process to secure admission and scholarships for colleges and universities in the United States.
For the students to participate in the seminars, the statement further explained, it is essential that they are within “traveling distance of our offices here in Lagos or are able to make arrangements to be in Lagos for OFP meetings and during the year particularly this summer holiday starting in July 2018.”