The Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF) has awarded a university scholarship to 17-year-old Miss Paradise Nwaozuzu of Ihiagwa Community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, in recognition of her exceptional talent and academic aspirations.
The scholarship was announced during a brief ceremony held on Monday at Igolobiam Plaza, Owerri, the Imo State capital.
According to a letter presented to the beneficiary and signed by the founder of the foundation, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the scholarship will take effect once Miss Nwaozuzu secures admission to study Nursing at any public university of her choice in Nigeria.
Under the award, the beneficiary will receive ₦500,000 per academic session throughout the duration of her programme, subject to satisfactory academic performance and good conduct.
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu said the scholarship reflects the foundation’s commitment to investing in the future of young Nigerians by promoting excellence, creativity and service.
She expressed hope that the financial support would ease the burden of tertiary education on the beneficiary and enable her to focus fully on achieving her academic and professional goals.
The former First Lady of Ondo State noted that the scholarship was inspired by Miss Nwaozuzu’s creativity after she composed and performed a birthday song in her honour during her 2026 birthday anniversary.
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who is the Labour Party candidate for the Owerri Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election, commended the teenager’s talent, initiative and determination.
She said that beyond the song’s melody and lyrics, she saw in the young girl immense potential deserving of encouragement and opportunity.
Responding on behalf of the family, Mrs. Nwaozuzu, the beneficiary’s mother, expressed profound appreciation to the foundation for what she described as a life-changing gesture.
Overwhelmed with emotion, she immediately informed her husband by telephone, and he also expressed gratitude and joy over the scholarship award.
Miss Nwaozuzu was a participant in the 2025 edition of the BEMORE Summer Boot Camp, an annual programme of the BEMORE Empowered Girls Foundation, one of Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu’s flagship initiatives aimed at empowering young girls through education, leadership and technology.
