Funmi Ogundare The i-Scholar Initiative (iSI) recently welcomed a new cohort of 100 scholarship beneficiaries into its global network of scholars, mentors, partners and volunteers, reaffirming its commitment to equipping talented Nigerians with the support needed to pursue postgraduate education at leading institutions around the world. Speaking at the 2026 iSI scholars onboarding programme held virtually, the organisation explained that it was designed to prepare the new scholars for the opportunities and responsibilities that come with joining the initiative. The onboarding event focused on providing beneficiaries with the right mindset, mentorship and practical guidance to maximise the opportunities available through the iSI programme, while helping them navigate the journey towards securing admission and scholarships for graduate studies abroad. Speaking on the theme: ‘Unlocking Your Potential to Rise Beyond Barriers’, the Chairman, Nigerian American Multi-cultural Council, Mr. Ufuoma Ewerhido, urged newly admitted scholars of the i-Scholar Initiative (iSI) to remain resilient, believe in themselves and persevere through setbacks, adding that a single opportunity can transform the trajectory of their lives. Ewerhido, who was the guest speaker, encouraged the beneficiaries to approach their academic and professional journeys with gratitude, discipline and unwavering confidence, noting that admission into the programme already set them apart as exceptional young Nigerians. He stated that the global academic and professional landscape is highly competitive, but success remained attainable for those who were prepared to persevere. According to him, the guiding principle for every scholar should be that one good yes is enough, explaining that a single scholarship, admission offer or breakthrough opportunity could redefine an individual’s future. “You have got to be your biggest advocate in life. You must first believe in yourself. If you do not believe in yourself, the journey becomes much more difficult,” he said. Ewerhido acknowledged that the road ahead would not be smooth, warning that scholars would face uncertainties, rejections and circumstances beyond their control. However, he urged them not to allow temporary setbacks to derail their long-term aspirations. “The road ahead is very competitive, but it is not impossible. Outcomes are not guaranteed, and you will encounter forces beyond your control. The journey will not be a straight line, but you must keep moving,” he said. He advised the scholars to view their ambitions from a broader perspective, stressing that their destination should not simply be studying or working abroad, but fulfilling their purpose, creating impact and leaving a lasting legacy. “Your destination is not America or Europe. Your destination is your ambition, who you want to become, the impact you want to make and the legacy you want to leave behind,” he added. To illustrate the value of persistence, Ewerhido shared the success story of an iSI scholar from a family of seven who repeatedly pursued opportunities to study abroad but faced several disappointments after failing to secure scholarships. According to him, the scholar eventually received support from iSI, which sponsored her Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), enabling her to continue her applications and ultimately achieve her goal of studying overseas. He also cited another scholar who unsuccessfully applied for nearly 30 scholarships before eventually securing the opportunity that changed the course of the individual’s academic journey. The chairman said the experiences of former beneficiaries demonstrated that resilience, consistency and determination often distinguished successful candidates from those who gave up too early. He encouraged the new scholars to draw inspiration from such testimonies, leverage the mentorship and resources available through the i-Scholar Initiative, and remain committed to personal growth as they join a growing global community of scholars dedicated to making meaningful contributions to society. In his remarks, the Vice-President of Finance, Dr. Oluseyi Ajayi, advised the scholars to uphold excellence, integrity and discipline, stressing that their success will determine the organisation’s ability to attract future donors and expand opportunities for other African students. He described the admission of the new beneficiaries as a milestone for both the scholars and the organisation, noting that they were joining a global community founded on vision, discipline and shared responsibility. According to him, since its inception, the initiative has invested in talented young Africans with the conviction that educati
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