In the pursuit of academic excellence and personal development, financial constraints often pose significant challenges for many Nigerian university students. Recognizing this, the First Class Muslim (FCM) Foundation established the Students’ Empowerment and Education Development (SEED) Scholarship Program to provide not only financial support but also mentorship opportunities to deserving students. This comprehensive guide delves into the various facets of the SEED Scholarship, aiming to equip potential applicants with all the necessary information to take full advantage of this empowering initiative.

Overview of the SEED Scholarship Program

The SEED Scholarship is a flagship initiative designed to empower Nigerian university students by providing financial assistance for one full academic session. Beyond monetary support, the program integrates a mentorship component, the Academic and Career Development Curriculum (ACDC), to foster continuous academic excellence and career readiness among scholars.

Objectives of the SEED Scholarship

Students’ Empowerment and Education Development (SEED) Scholarship is aimed at em-powering and providing support to Nigerian university students, through provision of financial support for one full academic session, to enable them focus on learning and self-development. The project also offers an added mentorship programme in which the students will complete an Academic and Career Development Curriculum (FCMF-ACDC) designed to sustain excellent academic performance and imbibe career skills into the students.

Benefits of the SEED Scholarship

Participating in the SEED Scholarship Program offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond financial aid:

• Monthly Stipends: Regular financial support to cover academic-related expenses, allowing students to focus on their studies without financial distractions.
• Academic Development: Access to the ACDC, which includes monthly mentorship sessions designed to sustain and improve academic performance.
• Career Development: Exposure to career guidance and skill-building workshops to prepare students for post-graduation opportunities.
• Networking Opportunities: Engagement with a community of like-minded scholars and professionals, fostering relationships that can support personal and professional growth.

Eligible Institutions

The SEED Scholarship is available to students enrolled in the following Nigerian universities:

1. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna
2. Bayero University, Kano
3. Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara
4. Usumanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
5. Kaduna State University, Kaduna
6. Kano University of Science & Technology, Wudil
7. Sokoto State University
8. Zamfara State University
9. Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the SEED Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Enrollment Status: Be a full-time Muslim undergraduate student in one of the nine eligible universities.
2. Academic Standing: Currently be in the 300 level of their academic program.
3. Grade Point Average (GPA): Maintain a minimum CGPA of 4.5 on a 5-point scale (or its equivalent on other scales).
4. Commitment: Demonstrate readiness and availability to fulfill all scholarship requirements and actively participate in the training curriculum.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit the following documents during the application process:

1. Student Identity Card: A valid ID issued by the institution.
2. Proof of Studentship: Documentation such as a biodata form or any official document confirming current enrollment.
3. Reference Letter: A letter from a reputable Islamic organization (excluding institution-based student organizations), addressed to The Executive Director, First Class Muslim Foundation, Lagos, Nigeria. The letter should be on official letterhead and provide a genuine assessment of the applicant's character.
4. Academic Transcript: A current result slip indicating the student's CGPA, duly signed and stamped by the Head of Department (HOD).
5. Personal Statement: A 300-word essay articulating why the applicant should be considered for the scholarship.

The statement should adhere to the following formatting guidelines:

• Font: Century Gothic, size 12
• Line Spacing: 1.5
• Applicant's full name at the top of the document

Note: The use of AI tools to generate or significantly modify personal statements is strictly prohibited. All submissions will undergo plagiarism and AI-detection checks. A detection rate beyond 20% is unacceptable and will result in disqualification from current and future opportunities with the foundation.

Application Timeline

Prospective applicants should take note of the following dates:

Application Opens: 18 February, 2025
Application Closes: 20th March, 2025

The Academic and Career Development Curriculum (ACDC)

A distinctive feature of the SEED Scholarship is the integration of the Academic and Career Development Curriculum (ACDC). This curriculum is designed to provide scholars with a holistic development experience, ensuring they excel academically while being prepared for future career challenges.

Structure of the ACDC

Duration: Nine months, aligning with the academic session.
Mentorship Sessions: Monthly three-hour sessions focusing on various aspects of academic excellence and career preparedness.

Components of the ACDC

• Academic Excellence Workshops: Strategies for effective study habits, time management, and research skills.
• Career Preparedness Seminars: Resume writing, interview techniques, and professional etiquette.
• Personal Development Modules: Leadership training, communication skills, and ethical considerations in the professional world.
• Networking Events: Opportunities to connect with industry professionals, alumni, and peers to build a supportive community.

Partnership and Sponsorship

The SEED Scholarship Program is implemented in collaboration with, and sponsorship from, Human Appeal, United Kingdom. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to empowering Nigerian students and fostering educational development within the country.

The Students’ Empowerment and Education Development (SEED) Scholarship Program is a support for indigent and brilliant undergraduate Muslim students in Nigerian universities. By offering financial aid coupled with a robust mentorship curriculum, the program aims to cultivate a generation of well-rounded professionals poised to contribute positively to society. Eligible students are encouraged to seize this opportunity to advance their academic and career aspirations.

For more information and to apply, visit https://meritintel.com/study/scholarship/first-class-muslim-fcm-foundation-seed-scholarship