rTSF Fundraiser Targets Support for More Indigent Students
By Christian Benefits Magazine
The Reverend Tony Akinyemi Scholarship Foundation (rTSF) has called on individuals, corporate organisations and other well-meaning Nigerians to support its education initiative at a fundraising event scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Ikeja, Lagos.
The foundation said the fundraiser was designed to mobilise resources to support brilliant but financially disadvantaged students whose educational aspirations might otherwise be frustrated by their inability to pay tuition fees.
The initiative comes amid increasing demand for the foundation’s scholarship programme, which has reportedly supported more than 400 students since its inception.
According to previous reports published by Christian Benefits Magazine, the foundation originated from a personal desire by its founder, Reverend Tony Akinyemi, to give back to society and ensure that financial hardship would not prevent brilliant children from receiving an education.
What began as a birthday wish on his 49th birthday subsequently developed into an organised scholarship initiative. The foundation was inspired by friends of Akinyemi in 2010 and formally chartered in 2011.
A report published by Christian Benefits Magazine ahead of the foundation’s 2026 scholarship awards highlighted its commitment to expanding educational opportunities for disadvantaged students and celebrating beneficiaries who have distinguished themselves academically.
The foundation’s impact has extended beyond financial assistance, with some beneficiaries graduating with First-Class honours. Such achievements underscore the potential of sustained educational support to improve individual prospects and contribute to national development.
However, the growing number of applicants has presented a significant challenge for the foundation. More than 9,000 students reportedly applied for scholarships in 2025. Although its annual allocation was initially 24, the foundation awarded 55 new scholarships at its 2025 award ceremony in Lagos, bringing the number of students then on the programme to 140.
The figures illustrate the gap between the demand for educational assistance and the resources available to meet it.
Akinyemi, Senior Pastor of The Shepherd’s Flock International Church, established the initiative against the backdrop of his experience as a brilliant but financially disadvantaged student.
Engr. Kehinde Osikoya, chairman of the foundation’s Board of Directors, has explained that the founder’s personal experience informed his determination to create opportunities for young people facing similar circumstances.
According to Osikoya, the foundation’s vision extends beyond the payment of school fees to nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of becoming responsible leaders and contributing meaningfully to society.
Under the scholarship arrangement, successful applicants receive tuition assistance paid directly to their institutions. Payments continue until graduation, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
The scholarship covers tuition fees only. Applicants must be enrolled in eligible public educational institutions in Nigeria, including secondary schools, monotechnics, polytechnics and universities. They must also demonstrate significant financial need and satisfy the foundation’s academic requirements.
For students in higher institutions, the stated requirement is a minimum of Second Class Upper standing, while secondary school applicants must attain an average of at least 65 per cent.
With thousands of students competing for a limited number of scholarships, the October 24 fundraiser is expected to provide an opportunity for individuals, organisations and other partners to contribute towards expanding the programme.
The foundation’s experience demonstrates how private initiatives can complement efforts to improve access to education, particularly for students whose academic potential is threatened by financial difficulties.
Through “Designing Dreams, Building Futures,” rTSF hopes to mobilise additional resources to reach more deserving students and sustain its commitment to educational empowerment.
The success of the initiative, however, will depend on the willingness of donors and other stakeholders to translate support for education into tangible opportunities for students in need.
The campaign continues to the end of the year till the Foundation achieves its N200milion target.This would be invested so the returns continues to cater for the beneficiaries. The launch will reveal the detail. Anyone interested in participating can reach out to admin@tonyakinyemifoundation