Access to university education remains out of reach for many young Nigerians due to rising tuition fees and unstable family income. Over the past 15 years, Omega Power Ministries has funded the university education of more than 40,000 students across Nigeria and abroad.
The church led initiative has grown into one of the largest privately funded scholarship programmes in Nigeria, supporting students from low income families and underserved communities.
This report outlines how the scholarship programme works, who qualifies, and the broader impact on education access in Nigeria.
The Leadership Behind the OPM Scholarship Scheme
The programme is spearheaded by Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, Founder and General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries and King of Ikwuorie Ancient Kingdom.
The scholarship was created to assist students who gained admission into tertiary institutions but lacked the financial means to continue. Many beneficiaries are orphans or come from families struggling with poverty.
According to figures shared by the ministry, at least 5,000 students are sponsored each year. Over a 15 year period, the total number of beneficiaries has surpassed 40,000 across local and foreign institutions.
Coverage Across Nigerian and International Universities
Degree Programmes Supported
The OPM university scholarship scheme covers tuition and related academic expenses in:
Federal universities
State universities
Private universities
Selected foreign institutions
Students are enrolled in diverse fields such as:
Medicine and surgery
Nursing science
Engineering
Pharmacy
Computer science
Accounting
Economics
Mass communication
Public administration
More than 30,000 beneficiaries have completed their degrees. Thousands remain enrolled in different institutions.
At a recent matriculation ceremony at the University of Port Harcourt, OPM scholarship recipients were among the newly admitted students. Similar admissions have taken place in colleges of nursing sciences and other universities across Nigeria.
Who Qualifies for the OPM University Scholarship?
The scholarship targets students who face financial hardship. Beneficiaries often include:
Students from very low income households
Orphans who lost one or both parents
Young people from rural communities
Students admitted to university but unable to pay fees
For many of these students, tertiary education would not have been possible without financial support.
Nigeria continues to face high youth unemployment and poverty rates. Expanding access to university education increases the number of skilled graduates entering sectors such as healthcare, engineering, finance, and technology.
Funding Structure and Long Term Commitment
The scholarship scheme is funded mainly through church tithes and offerings. It does not rely on direct government funding or international donor agencies.
Despite economic challenges over the years, the ministry has continued to finance the programme. Reports indicate that billions of naira have been invested to sustain tuition payments and related costs.
Maintaining consistent yearly sponsorship for 15 years reflects long term planning and financial commitment.
Free Schools and Technical Education Support
Beyond university scholarships, Omega Power Ministries also operates free primary and secondary schools across Nigeria.
Tuition Free Basic Education
The ministry has established 42 free schools that provide tuition free education. This reduces financial pressure on families and helps address school dropout rates at early stages.
Free Girls Technical College
A girls technical college offers vocational training and practical skills development. This supports female education and equips young women for employment or entrepreneurship.
Special Needs School
The ministry also runs a free school dedicated to children with special needs, including autism and Down syndrome. Inclusive education remains limited in many areas, and this intervention expands access for affected families.
Graduates Contributing Across Multiple Sectors
Graduates of the OPM scholarship programme now work as:
Medical doctors
Nurses
Engineers
Pharmacists
Computer scientists
Accountants
Journalists
Administrators
Economists
These professionals are active in hospitals, technology firms, financial institutions, media organisations, and public offices across Nigeria and abroad.
Education funding at this scale increases human capital development and strengthens workforce capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students has OPM sponsored?
More than 40,000 Nigerian students have benefited from the university scholarship scheme over 15 years.
Does the scholarship include foreign universities?
Yes. The programme supports students in Nigerian institutions and selected foreign universities.
How is the programme funded?
The scholarship is funded primarily through church tithes and offerings.
Does OPM only support university students?
No. The ministry also operates free primary and secondary schools, a girls technical college, and a special needs school.
A Sustained Investment in Education
Fifteen years of consistent funding has enabled tens of thousands of Nigerian students to complete university education. Many are now professionals contributing to healthcare, engineering, finance, technology, and public service.
Large scale private scholarship schemes continue to expand access to higher education for students who would otherwise be excluded due to financial hardship.
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