The United States Consulate representatives in an orientation programme organized for students of Obafemi Awolowo University has enlightened the students on the need for them to apply for the 2015 Mandela Washington Fellowship under the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).
In a report gathered by Lukmon Fasasi, the US consular team which comprised of Frank Sellin, Acting Public Affairs Officer; Ibrahim Aliyu, Cultural Affairs and Temitayo Famutimi, Information Specialist stormed Ife yesterday morning for the campus enlightenment which held at First Bank lecture theater and began at about 10:30am.
Frank Sellin, while addressing the students on the need for them to apply for the YALI fellowship program said "The YALI is directed to young Africans, the US citizens can not apply and November 11 is the deadline for all applications". He urged the female students particularly to take advantage of the opportunity and apply for the YALI fellowship because they are special people. He further stated that applicants are expected to be within the age limit of 25 - 35, though young leaders below 25 would also be considered. According to Sellin, applications from persons with disabilities are allowed.
Speaking at the programme was Ibrahim Aliyu. He stated that YALI fellowship has shortlisted and taken applicants from Nigerian over time, but it is unfortunate that they are not from OAU. "Though we have African leaders from OAU working with us at our consulate and they are doing very well but it is saddened not to have received YALI fellowship students from here. Last year 4 successful applicants were received from Nigeria and this year we are looking for 100 successful applicants and I wish 40% would be coming from OAU". He said
Present at the programme are the University Public Relations Officer, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju; the Dean of the Student Affairs, Dr. Lateefat Durosimi and the Vice Dean of the Division of Student Affairs, Dr. Afolabi. Others are the representation of the Students' Union led by the President, Omotayo Akande and students from various faculties.
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. Nearly 1 in 3 Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and approximately 60 percent of Africa’s total population is below the age of 35. President Obama launched YALI in 2010 to support young African leaders as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa. The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders brings 500 dynamic young African leaders, ages 25-35, from across the continent to the United States for 6 weeks of leadership training and mentoring at twenty U.S. universities and colleges in three areas: business and entrepreneurship, civic engagement and public administration.
Click here to apply.
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