OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship 2025/2026: Empowering Academic Excellence and Social Impact

OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship 2025/2026: Empowering Academic Excellence and Social Impact

OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship 2025/2026: Empowering Academic Excellence and Social Impact: OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship 2025/2026: Empowering Academic Excellence and Social Impact, Education is universally recognized as a critical catalyst for personal advancement and national development. For many individuals, it is the bridge between poverty and prosperity, stagnation and progress, helplessness and empowerment. In Africa, where millions of young people possess incredible potential yet face staggering financial and societal challenges, the need for inclusive and sustainable educational support has never been more urgent. Bridging this gap is not merely a moral responsibility—it is an investment in the future of the continent. It is within this context that the OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship 2025/2026 emerges as a powerful initiative, committed to driving transformation through education and leadership development.

The OA Foundation, founded by philanthropist and entrepreneur Dr. Olumide Adesina, has long championed the causes of youth empowerment, social justice, and access to quality education. With a strong focus on underserved and underrepresented communities, the foundation aims to ensure that no talented student is denied a chance to achieve their full potential simply due to financial limitations. The ARASH Scholarship Program, which stands for Academic Excellence, Responsibility, Aspiration, Service to Humanity, and Holistic Development, embodies this mission by offering a comprehensive support package that transcends conventional scholarships.

The 2025/2026 edition of the scholarship continues this proud tradition, calling on brilliant, determined, and community-oriented students to apply and join a network of change-makers.

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However, what makes the ARASH Scholarship stand out is its multidimensional approach: while financial aid is a significant component, the program also emphasizes personal growth, ethical leadership, community engagement, and career preparation. In doing so, it seeks not only to educate but to mold agents of transformation who are equipped to address Africa’s most pressing social, economic, and political challenges.

At a time when youth unemployment is surging, tuition costs are skyrocketing, and the demand for innovation and responsible leadership is more pressing than ever, initiatives like the OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship serve as beacons of hope. They shift the focus from reactive charity to proactive capacity-building—empowering students to write their own success stories and lift others as they rise. This scholarship is open to undergraduate students across various disciplines, including science, technology, humanities, business, health, and social sciences, with special consideration given to candidates who have demonstrated academic distinction, moral character, and a heart for service.

As we delve into the details of the OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship 2025/2026, this article will explore the vision and structure of the program, eligibility criteria, application process, benefits to successful scholars, and the broader societal impact it aims to achieve. It will also provide real-life success stories from past recipients and answer frequently asked questions for potential applicants. Ultimately, this is more than an academic opportunity—it is an invitation to dream bigger, aim higher, and serve deeper.

Background of OA Foundation

The OA Foundation—short for Olumide Adesina Foundation—is a non-profit organization established to bridge the gap in educational inequality, promote social entrepreneurship, and empower youth through knowledge. Founded by renowned philanthropist and entrepreneur Dr. Olumide Adesina, the foundation has been at the forefront of youth development initiatives since its inception.

The Foundation’s activities span various sectors including:

• Education

• Youth Empowerment

• Technology and Innovation

• Health

• Social Advocacy

At its core, the OA Foundation believes that education is the most powerful tool for changing the world. With this in mind, the foundation launched the ARASH Scholarship Program to target intelligent yet economically disadvantaged students who lack the financial means to complete their university education.

What is the ARASH Scholarship?

ARASH is an acronym that stands for:

• Academic Excellence

• Responsibility

• Aspiration

• Service to Humanity

• Holistic Development

The ARASH Scholarship is more than just a financial grant. It is a leadership and development program that seeks to mold responsible, community-oriented leaders who will drive innovation and growth in Africa and beyond.

The 2025/2026 cycle of the scholarship is open to undergraduate students across various disciplines and aims to select a diverse cohort of young leaders who demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic performance

• Evidence of leadership roles

• Strong moral values and integrity

• A commitment to giving back to their communities

Objectives of the ARASH Scholarship Program

The OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship was created with the following key objectives:

1. Promote Access to Quality Education: To provide financial support to high-potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing higher education.

2. Develop Ethical Leaders: To nurture the next generation of ethical, socially responsible, and community-focused leaders.

3. Foster Community Development: To empower students to initiate and participate in projects that benefit their local communities.

4. Encourage Excellence and Innovation: To create a network of bright minds that fosters innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.

5. Support Holistic Development: To provide mentorship, career guidance, emotional support, and capacity-building programs that ensure all-round development.

Who Can Apply? — Eligibility Criteria for 2025/2026

To be considered for the OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship 2025/2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Academic Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled in a Nigerian or African university.

• Must have completed at least one academic session.

• Must have a minimum CGPA of 3.5 on a 5.0 scale or its equivalent.

• Must provide academic transcripts or statement of results.

2. Financial Need

• Must come from a financially disadvantaged background.

• Applicants must demonstrate a need for financial assistance.

3. Leadership and Social Impact

• Evidence of past leadership roles (school, church, community, etc.)

• Proof of involvement in volunteerism or community service.

4. Nationality and Age

• Must be a citizen of an African country.

• Must be between the ages of 17 and 28 as of September 2025.

5. Other Requirements

• Must be of good character, with no criminal records.

• Must not be a beneficiary of any similar full scholarship.

• Must be willing to participate in all ARASH mentorship and leadership programs.

Fields of Study Covered

The OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship is open to students pursuing degrees in a wide range of disciplines including:

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

• Medicine and Health Sciences

• Law and Political Science

• Social Sciences

• Agriculture

• Environmental Science

• Arts and Humanities

• Education

• Business and Finance

• Communication and Media Studies

Scholarship Benefits

The ARASH Scholarship is a fully-funded program that offers a comprehensive package that extends beyond tuition. The benefits include:

1. Full Tuition Coverage

• Payment of full university tuition fees for the remaining duration of study.

2. Monthly Stipend

• A monthly allowance to cover books, transportation, meals, and other living expenses.

3. Laptop Grant

• A one-time grant for the purchase of a laptop or digital device to support academic work.

4. Leadership Boot Camps

• Access to quarterly boot camps and workshops on leadership, digital skills, entrepreneurship, and personal development.

5. Mentorship

• Each scholar is paired with a mentor from their field of study for academic and career guidance.

6. Internship Opportunities

• Access to internship placements with top companies and development organizations.

7. Networking Platforms

• Participation in OA Foundation alumni events, conferences, and forums.

Application Process

Applying for the OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship 2025/2026 involves a multi-stage process designed to ensure fairness and transparency. The stages include:

Step 1: Online Application

• Candidates must complete the official application form on the OA Foundation portal.

• Required documents include:

  • Academic transcripts

  • Statement of purpose

  • Letter of recommendation

  • Evidence of financial need (e.g., parent’s income statements)

  • Identification (National ID/University ID)

  • Passport-sized photo

Step 2: Document Verification

• The foundation reviews all submitted documents for authenticity and eligibility.

Step 3: Essay Assessment

• Applicants are required to write an essay on a social issue affecting their community and how they intend to solve it.

Step 4: Interview Stage

• Shortlisted candidates are invited for a virtual or physical interview conducted by a panel of experts.

Step 5: Final Selection

• Successful applicants are notified via email and phone.

• Scholarship award letters are issued, and onboarding begins.

Timeline: Key Dates for 2025/2026

Impact Stories: Testimonials from Past Beneficiaries

1. Chiamaka Ijeoma — Medicine, UNN

“Before the ARASH Scholarship, I was struggling to pay my fees. I had almost dropped out in my third year. This scholarship not only kept me in school but gave me confidence, a laptop, and a mentor who guided me to secure an internship at a teaching hospital.”

2. David Osei — Engineering, University of Ghana

“Thanks to OA Foundation, I now see a future where I can be part of Africa’s transformation through sustainable technologies. The leadership camps changed my mindset completely.”

Long-Term Impact of the OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship

The ARASH Scholarship is not merely a support system for individuals—it is a nation-building tool. Some of the broader impacts include:

• Reduction in University Dropouts

• Higher Academic Achievement

• Empowered Youth Participation in Nation Building

• Strengthened Civic Responsibility

• Emergence of Ethical Leaders and Professionals

• Increased Gender Balance in Higher Education

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can postgraduate students apply for the 2025/2026 cycle?

A: No. The 2025/2026 scholarship cycle is strictly for undergraduate students.

Q2: Can I apply if I already benefit from another scholarship?

A: No. Applicants receiving full scholarships from other organizations are ineligible.

Q3: How many scholars will be selected in 2025/2026?

A: The foundation plans to select 100 scholars in this cycle.

Q4: Is the scholarship renewable?

A: Yes, the scholarship is renewable annually based on academic performance and participation in OA Foundation programs.

Q5: How competitive is the selection?

A: Very competitive. In the 2024 cycle, over 7,000 applications were received for just 80 slots.

How the OA Foundation Stands Out

While numerous scholarships exist, OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship is unique for the following reasons:

• It combines academic funding with leadership development.

• It provides a holistic support system, including mentorship and life coaching.

• It fosters a community of change-makers, not just scholars.

• It has a clear vision for social impact in Africa.

Conclusion

OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship 2025/2026: Empowering Academic Excellence and Social Impact, the significance of the OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship 2025/2026 lies not just in the funds it disburses or the academic lives it supports—it lies in the far-reaching impact it creates in individuals, communities, and nations. In a continent brimming with youthful energy and untapped potential, programs like ARASH represent more than hope; they are blueprints for transformation. They signify a shift in how we view education—not as a privilege reserved for the few, but as a right that must be extended to all who dare to learn and aspire to lead.

Throughout this article, we have examined the multifaceted elements of the ARASH Scholarship: from its mission to promote academic excellence, to its rigorous selection process, its emphasis on leadership development, and its commitment to community service. We have seen how the scholarship seeks to nurture not just scholars, but solution-bearers, innovators, and nation-builders. This holistic approach is a major departure from the traditional scholarship model that ends with tuition payments. Instead, ARASH scholars are groomed through mentorship programs, leadership camps, professional development workshops, and internships—ensuring that they are ready for life beyond the classroom.

The stories of past beneficiaries serve as living proof of the program’s impact. From future doctors saving lives in remote clinics, to engineers innovating for sustainability, and young women leading campaigns for gender equality—ARASH scholars are creating ripples of change across Africa. These are not just students who overcame financial barriers; they are trailblazers rewriting what is possible for their families and communities. This multiplier effect is what gives the OA Foundation’s work its enduring value.

Furthermore, the scholarship’s transparent and merit-driven selection process ensures that only the most deserving candidates benefit. It rewards not just academic talent, but also resilience, character, and a demonstrated commitment to giving back. These values are crucial in building a new generation of ethical and responsible leaders—individuals who will uphold the public good, challenge the status quo, and contribute meaningfully to the continent’s progress.

As applications open for the 2025/2026 cycle, the call is clear: to those students who have dared to dream despite all odds, who have worked tirelessly in the face of adversity, and who are ready to lead with compassion and courage—this is your chance. The OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship is more than a funding opportunity. It is a launchpad for your aspirations, a community of shared purpose, and a lifelong journey of transformation.

To stakeholders, educators, corporate partners, and well-meaning individuals, your support can amplify this mission. Sponsorships, mentorship, volunteering, and donations can help scale the ARASH initiative to touch even more lives in the years to come.

In conclusion, the OA Foundation ARASH Scholarship 2025/2026 is a testament to what is possible when purpose meets opportunity. It invites us all—whether students, professionals, or philanthropists—to be part of a larger story: a story of rising above limitations, of building a future grounded in equity, and of lighting the path for the next generation. The scholarship may begin with one student, but its ripple effect can uplift a nation.