Tolulope Ewherido is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the i-Scholar Initiative (iSI), a non-profit organisation that mentors and connects high-potential African students to fully funded graduate programmes globally. Ewherido, in this interview with OPEYEMI BABALOLA, addressed concerns on japa syndrome, STEM education, and the need for improved funding of the sector, among others.

There are concerns over increasing cases of youths leaving the country for greener pastures. Stakeholders are worried that the country may suffer from this in the long run.
The phenomenon of Japa is a natural response to individuals seeking opportunities beyond what is currently available to them in Nigeria, to improve their lives and families. This inclination aligns with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, where the motivation for change is driven by unmet basic human needs.

Nigeria has the largest population of youths in the world; about 70 per cent of the nation’s population of more than 200 million is under 30 years, and 42 per cent is under the age of 15.
Rather than oppose the trend of Japa, our focus should be on expanding opportunities for Nigerian youths to thrive – within the country and abroad. In 2022, remittances from Nigerians living abroad amounted to approximately $20 billion, constituting about four per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
To put this in perspective, the oil sector, a significant contributor to GDP, accounted for approximately six per cent in the same year. This highlights the substantial contribution of Nigerians, both within and outside the country, to our national growth.

How do you think the government can make learning more conducive and attractive to Nigerian youths, especially indigent ones?
There was a time in Nigeria when individuals from poor backgrounds could gain quality education, get decent jobs or run businesses, have a fulfilling quality life and attain the highest echelons of leadership across the society. While the potential for such success still exists, the pathways have become increasingly limited, often accessible only to the privileged few.
Addressing this issue is crucial for the overall growth of our nation, and it is a challenge that requires attention from the government. The primary solution lies in enhancing access to quality education and scholarships for higher education. By allocating more funding to this critical area, we can break barriers that currently hinder talented individuals from underprivileged backgrounds.
Talent should not be limited by access, otherwise, we run the risk of stunting the growth of our nation. Additionally, drastically improving the education infrastructure and prioritising the training and fair compensation of teachers and lecturers is essential.
Educators play a pivotal role in shaping the future, and by investing in their development, we ensure a higher standard of education that can empower students from all walks of life.

Finally, creating a larger pipeline of higher-paying jobs is imperative. This not only addresses immediate economic concerns, but also provides a crucial stepping stone for youths to achieve improved economic and leadership outcomes.
Focusing on these key areas – education accessibility, enhancement of enabling infrastructure, teacher training, and job creation, can pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all, unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s diverse talent pool.

A few years ago, you launched the i-Scholar initiative (iSI) to assist indigent students in getting scholarships. How would you describe the impact of the scheme so far?
With an investment of about $160,000, we have sponsored over 255 scholars, accessing scholarships totalling over $25 million. Nigeria has an abundance of talent with the potential to drive economic innovation and transformation. A testament to this is the significant impact Nigerians are making in academia, industries, and businesses.
However, a notable challenge exists – access to global education that can further drive innovation and higher economic outcomes, which has narrowed over time to financially privileged individuals.
The benefits of our efforts extend in multiple directions – to the individual, their communities, and Nigeria as a whole. Beyond the immeasurable, compounding economic advantages that uplift families and communities, there are tangible, measurable impacts.

What are your expectations for this year in terms of getting more students on board to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related courses?
Recognising the pivotal role of the STEM foundation in driving innovation and development, iSI has remained steadfast in its commitment to growing the STEM pipeline.
In our initial stages, over 90 per cent of our scholars were dedicated to STEM disciplines. However, there is a profound acknowledgement that sustainable development demands a holistic approach, extending beyond STEM skills. It necessitates a diverse pool of individuals skilled in humanities, arts, and business fields.
In alignment with this, iSI has strategically diversified its current scholar pool to encompass a broader range of disciplines. By doing so, we aim to create a well-rounded and versatile group of individuals, who can contribute, not only to technological advancements, but also to the multifaceted aspects of sustainable development.
This inclusive approach ensures that our scholars, equipped with a spectrum of skills and expertise, are prepared to address the complex challenges and opportunities in various fields, fostering a more comprehensive and impactful contribution to the development of Nigeria and beyond.

What would say is the value of mentoring to a scholar?
The unwavering belief in oneself and the vast possibilities they hold constitutes a significant aspect of the iSI mentoring programme.
By fostering a robust mentorship programme, we not only assist our scholars in overcoming immediate challenges, we also empower them to navigate the complexities of their academic and professional journeys.
The emotional support and encouragement provided by our mentors play a transformative role in shaping the trajectory of our scholars’ lives, ensuring they emerge from their educational pursuits stronger, more resilient, and well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities and Nigeria as a whole.