The i-Scholar Initiative (iSI) has announced the selection of 100 outstanding young Nigerians for its 2026 Scholarship Awards and Mentorship Programme, reaffirming its commitment to helping talented African students secure fully funded postgraduate education at leading universities around the world.

The non-governmental organisation revealed that the successful candidates emerged after a rigorous multi-stage selection process designed to identify exceptional graduates with strong academic potential and leadership qualities.

In a statement signed by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Fajolu, the organisation said this year's scholarship package will cover the costs of key standardized examinations, including the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), alongside a predetermined amount for graduate school application fees.

According to the statement, the comprehensive support is aimed at removing financial barriers that often prevent brilliant African students from pursuing postgraduate studies abroad.

Dr. Fajolu explained that the selection exercise was coordinated by the organisation's Operations Vice President, Mrs. Hanatu Banjoko, following a thorough evaluation process.

Since its establishment in 2019, i-Scholar Initiative has continued to expand its impact, supporting more than 455 scholars while recording an impressive 85 percent success rate in helping beneficiaries secure fully funded admission offers into some of the world's top universities.

Speaking on the milestone, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Mrs. Tolulope Ewherido, reiterated the organisation's commitment to bridging educational opportunities for talented African students.

"Our mission has always been to bridge the opportunity gap for talented African students. I remain deeply grateful to our volunteers and donors whose unwavering commitment continues to make this impact possible."

She added that beneficiaries will receive far more than financial assistance.

"Beyond financial support, each scholar will participate in iSI's hallmark end-to-end mentoring programme, which pairs them with experienced scholars and professionals who guide them through the entire graduate admissions journey."

Also speaking, the President of i-Scholar Initiative, Mr. Victor Ogunmola, acknowledged the critical role played by donors and development partners in sustaining the programme.

"Our donors are the engine that powers this mission. Their generosity enables us to continue opening doors for the next generation of African scholars and leaders."

The organisation disclosed that the newly selected scholars will soon receive invitations to join its digital mentoring platforms before participating in an official onboarding and orientation ceremony scheduled for July.

The complete list of the 100 successful beneficiaries has been published on the i-Scholar Initiative's official website, where applicants and members of the public can access further information about the 2026 Scholarship Awards and Mentorship Programme.