The Unique Open University (UOU), with the generous support of the Prof. Chris Imumolen Foundation, has awarded scholarships worth approximately N50m to exceptional student-athletes during the finals of the National Secondary School American Football League, widely known as AKETI Bowl 2.
The scholarship presentation ceremony, held on 11 March 2026 in Lagos, brought together government officials, education stakeholders, and sports administrators in a celebration that combined athletic excellence with academic opportunity.
The event was organised through a partnership between Unique Open University, the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA), and the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MBSE).
This initiative recognised top-performing athletes in flag football while reinforcing a “student-first” development philosophy that integrates sports discipline with academic progression.
Senior officials from the Lagos State education sector attended the ceremony, including the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Ali-Balogun; the Permanent Secretary, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite; Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District V, Hassan Dauda Abiodun; Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District VI, Mojisola Christiana Yusuff; and the Director of Co-curricular Services Division, Adebesin Oluyemisi A.
Mr. Azuka represented Chris Imumolen, Founder and President of Unique Open University, while the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Clement, also attended the event.
At the heart of the scholarship initiative is the philanthropy of Professor Imumolen, a globally recognised educator and recipient of the Forbes Best of Africa Award.
Through his “All for All” philosophy and the work of the UNIC Foundation, he has championed educational access for thousands of young Africans, empowering more than 30,000 professionals across the continent.
Speaking at the event, university representatives emphasised that the scholarship scheme demonstrates UOU’s commitment to removing financial barriers that often prevent talented young people from achieving their academic potential.
The university, an NUC-accredited institution, operates a technology-driven learning system offering dual-qualification degrees and flexible academic programmes designed to prepare students for global career opportunities.
At the finals, the following schools emerged champions in their respective categories: Army Cantonment Girls School, which won the female category, and Ikeja Grammar School, which clinched the male category.
In addition to scholarships provided by Unique Open University, cash prizes donated by the Nigeria American Football Association were presented to the winning teams, ensuring the student-athletes receive both financial support and academic opportunities as they pursue their educational and sporting careers.
