Five young men and five young women will be selected for full university scholarships as Paradigm Initiative strengthens access to STEM and Law education.
Ten young people from Ajegunle, Lagos, could soon take a major step towards their professional dreams, with Paradigm Initiative (PIN) opening applications for the 2026 Taiwo Bankole Scholarship to support students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) or Law at public universities in Nigeria.
Announced on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, the scholarship will provide full four-year university support for 10 eligible students aged 17 to 25, with five places allocated to young men and five to young women. The initiative reflects PIN’s commitment to widening educational opportunities and helping talented young people overcome financial barriers.
The equal allocation is part of a broader effort to nurture a new generation of innovators, problem-solvers and advocates capable of creating positive change in their communities and beyond.
According to the organisation, STEM and Law have important roles to play in Africa’s development. While science and technology can drive innovation and improve everyday life, legal education helps equip future professionals to shape policies and protect rights in both digital and physical spaces.
Yet, for many young people from low-income households, the cost of tertiary education can stand between their abilities and their aspirations. PIN’s scholarship seeks to address this challenge by making higher education more accessible to eligible residents of Ajegunle.
Applicants must be between 17 and 25 years old, reside in Ajegunle and have secured admission to a public university in Nigeria to study a course in STEM or Law. Candidates from low-income households are especially encouraged to apply.
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The 2026 awards will expand on the scholarship’s existing support for 12 students from Ajegunle, the community that hosted Paradigm Initiative during its early years. Through this continued investment, the organisation hopes to strengthen local opportunities while contributing to Africa’s wider digital inclusion and development goals.
The programme also preserves the legacy of Taiwo Bankole Ogunyemi, a volunteer remembered for his contributions to youth empowerment, digital skills development and community initiatives. The scholarship was established under PIN’s Ajegunle Legacy Project to help young people access education and pursue their ambitions regardless of financial circumstances.
Interested students can access further application information here. The application deadline is 6 November 2026.
By opening these opportunities to young men and women in equal numbers, Paradigm Initiative is investing in more than university degrees. It is helping create a pathway for young people to acquire knowledge, develop solutions and shape a more inclusive future for their communities and Africa as a whole.
