2023 Scholars

We are delighted to announce our Kponee-Shovein Foundation scholarship recipients for the 2023 – 2024 academic year, outstanding students from Rivers State, Nigeria who are pursuing their undergraduate degrees. Selected from numerous applicants, each of the recipients was chosen for their potential to make significant contributions to Nigerian society, culture, and their respective academic fields. For the 2023 – 2024 academic year, the foundation awarded scholarships and stipends to a total of 14 recipients, five new scholars and nine returning scholars.

New Scholarship Recipients

Christian, Julian Chinyere – 4th year, Business Management, Rivers State University

Christian, Julian Chinyere is a final year student at Rivers State University pursuing a degree in business management. Her reason for pursuing business management as a course is because of its versatility, the diverse skills it offers and her passion for leadership. She gained admission into Port Harcourt Polytechnic Rumuola where she made a distinction in business management ( National Diploma); it was with the National Diploma result that she applied and was admitted into Rivers State University as a direct entry student to study business management. After her undergraduate studies, she aims to further her education in business management and equally seek professional skills to help her achieve ceaseless growth throughout her career. She attributes her academic successes so far to God, prayers and support from her family and guidance from her mentors. Julian loves reading, swimming, traveling and running. She wishes to join NGOs so as to help others from humble backgrounds like herself achieve their full potential.

Tonbari J. Gberesuu – 2nd year, Medicine & Surgery, Rivers State University

Gberesuu Tonbari is a second-year undergraduate student studying Medicine and Surgery at Rivers State University. His altruistic desire to serve the needs of people, especially the sick and physically impaired, ignited his passion to serve in the health sector. He strongly believes that showing compassion is crucial to being a successful medical practitioner. He hopes that, on obtaining his degree, he could create a notable impact on the Rivers State health sector and the country at large. His parents, sibling, relatives and friends have proven to be an invaluable pillar of support for him. Upon graduating, he hopes to further specialize in general surgery, and eventually run his own private medical center.

Latoya Erewarifaa Finapiri – 4th year, Business Management, River State University

Latoya Erewarifaa Finapiri is a final year student at the Rivers State University pursuing a degree in Business management. Growing up from a family where she was allocated the managerial role of taking care of the affairs of her siblings when her parents were not around, she grew to love the acts of planning, organizing and controlling which is the bases of management. She attributes her academic successes so far to the prayers, support and guidance of her family, and her passion to improve the management for individuals and organizations in Nigeria. Latoya aspires to practice business management in a company in Nigeria, as well as run her own business and engage in corporate social responsibility with the hopes of giving back to society. When she is not busy studying, Latoya enjoys watching movies, cooking, and traveling.

Fortune Niabari Sipay – 4th Year, Business Management, Rivers State University

Fortune Niabari Sipay is a determined 400-level Business Management student at Rivers State University. Despite facing financial challenges after the sudden loss of her father, she persevered, taking on various jobs to support her education. Her passion for data analysis was ignited during this time, leading her to acquire skills in the field. Struggling to meet her university fees, she has demonstrated unwavering determination to overcome obstacles. Her application for a scholarship reflects her commitment to further develop her skills in data analysis, with aspirations to apply her expertise in driving innovation and enhancing decision-making processes within organizations. Fortune’s long-term goal is to work in a consulting capacity, utilizing her data analysis skills to optimize operations and foster growth in businesses. Beyond her career ambitions, she is dedicated to giving back to her community, aspiring to establish a School of Skills and mentorship program to support young individuals, particularly females, from disadvantaged backgrounds. Her experiences and knowledge drive her to inspire others to persevere and achieve their goals.

Nyode Fortune Barile – 5th year, Nursing, Rivers State University

Nyode Fortune Barile is a fifth-year undergraduate student studying nursing science at Rivers State University. She became passionate about healthcare after witnessing the dedication and compassion of healthcare professionals who cares for her ailing grandfather. Fortune hopes that through a career in nursing she can improve the healthcare sector in Rivers State, Nigeria, by extension the world, help patients alleviate pain and suffering and make a difference in lives of people from diverse backgrounds. She attributes her success in academics so far to the prayers and support of her family. Fortune enjoys reading novels, travelling, cooking, and listening to music. Upon graduating, she aims to pursue a Master’s degree in nursing and become a lecturer in nursing in order to inspire and nurture next generation of healthcare professionals. She also envisions establishing her own foundation to provide quality healthcare services to indigent communities in Nigeria.

Continuing Scholarship Recipients

The Foundation is pleased to continue supporting nine previous scholarship recipients, who have all continued to excel academically, with scholarships and stipends for the 2023 – 2024 academic year

Joy Abbey – 6th year , Law, Rivers State University