“We established the Yar’Adua Merit Scholars Programme to honour my late husband by cultivating the talents and abilities of the nation’s children. Shehu and I shared the belief that education is the bedrock of an enlightened society where all Nigerians, regardless of their status or background, are able to participate in the development of the nation.” -
Hajia Binta Yar’Adua The Yar’Adua Merit Scholars programme was established to develop future leaders and empower talented youth by providing educational services that will enable them to cultivate their talents and abilities. Deserving primary school pupils are acquiring a comprehensive private secondary school education that will provide them with the necessary skills to enhance the lives of others. Students who display exceptional talent are selected from government primary schools based on academic performance, financial need and extracurricular accomplishment. The first six Merit Scholars were enrolled at Abti Academy in September 2005, representing Yola, Katsina and Abeokuta. In September 2006 students were chosen from Uyo, Kaduna and Enugu. In 2007 students from Abuja, Kano and Jos were selected and in 2008 the Foundation selected students from Edo and Anambra while in 2009, students from Ekiti and Nasarawa were selected. Through the Yar’Adua Merit Scholars Programme, the Foundation hopes to demonstrate that any child, no matter their background, can perform at the highest levels if given adequate support. 
 
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