The founder and Executive Director of Funmike Empowerment Foundation, Oluwafunmike Salami, has called for support to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4, which emphasises access to quality education as a vital tool to break the cycle of poverty, combat ignorance, and foster rapid development.
Salami made the call during the presentation of scholarships to 25 undergraduates from low-income or marginalised backgrounds in Lagos State on Friday.
The beneficiaries, selected from various universities across the country, each received between N150,000 and N290,000.
She said, “For us, SDG 4 is not just a development goal—it is a lifeline. We believe education is the master key that unlocks human potential, breaks cycles of poverty, and builds resilient, thriving communities. When we invest in education, we invest in the future of Nigeria and the world.
“Without access to quality education, young people are denied the tools to improve their lives, advocate for their communities, and participate fully in economic, political, and social life.
“The foundation’s commitment to SDG 4 stems from the belief that when children and youths are empowered through learning, entire families, communities, and nations rise.
“We know firsthand that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. Through these scholarships and all our educational initiatives, we aim to close that gap, giving bright, determined students the chance to thrive, contribute, and become changemakers in their own right.”
She added that the 25 scholarship recipients, chosen through a highly competitive process, embody academic excellence, resilience, and a deep commitment to community service.
Salami added, “By fully covering their tuition year after year, the foundation ensures these students—many from marginalised or low-income backgrounds—can complete their degrees without the crushing weight of financial barriers.”
The Co-Founder of Women in Management, Business and Public Service, Adeola Azeez, praised Salami’s foresight and selflessness, noting her remarkable vision for mobilising resources to improve lives at such a young age.
The Co-Founder of Women in Management, Business and Public Service, Adeola Azeez, lauded the foresight of Salami making her to catch the vision of sourcing for resources to help improve the lives of others at such a reasonably young age.
Azeez, who is also the founder of Adeola Azeez Community Care Foundation, described Salami as a beacon of hope and a shining Nigerian youth who is worthy of emulation by all.
She added that empowering young minds through education is the most transformational gift we can offer, saying, “I am proud to stand with the Funmike Empowerment Foundation as they deliver on SDG 4 and ignite hope across Nigeria.”
Similarly, Prof. Akin Akinpelu, a member of the Forbes Coaches Council and renowned development consultant, also hailed the foundation for its move to support in building a better tomorrow for the country’s youth with such a huge investment in their education.
Akinpelu stated, “Today’s event is about much more than scholarships; it is about sending a bold message that every child deserves the right to learn, grow, and pursue their dreams.
“I celebrate these students and the visionary work of this foundation, and I sincerely pray that others will also be inspired to lend their support towards advancing the cause of education in the country.”
