We are delighted to announce our Kponee-Shovein Foundation scholarship recipients for the 2024 – 2025 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 2024 – 2025 academic year, the foundation awarded scholarships and stipends to a total of nine recipients, five new scholars and four returning scholars.
New Scholarship Recipients
Dua Naabeelebari is a third-year undergraduate student studying medicine and surgery at the University of Port-Harcourt. Her passion for medicine and surgery stem from the complications her mother experienced during pregnancy due to lack of antenatal and postnatal care, which led to the tragic loss of her unborn sibling. This experience inspired her to pursue a medical career to provide quality health especially to families facing infertility and those who cannot afford proper medical attention. She also aspires to run her own NGO with the hopes of giving back to the society. Upon graduating, Naabeelebari aspires to undergo further training so she can specialized in obstetrics and Gynecology. Naabeelebari attribute her academic success to her widowed mother who has consistently supported and encouraged her also friends and family members who has also supported her. When she is not studying, Naabeelebari enjoys listening to music, singing and reading.
Batubo Clara is a fourth-year under graduate student studying Business Administration at Rivers State University. Her interest and passion for the corporate world were sparked at a young age where she was opportune to work in a corporate establishment. The little and early experience gave her an insight on what the corporate world entails and how to strive in it. This exposure led her to purse her course of study Business Administration with the hope of working in a stock broking firm and a mortgage bank because of how facilitated she is with the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Clara believes that her course of study would also open various career opportunities for her and would also provide her with skills and knowledge to manage and open her own business in the future. When she is not busy studying Clara enjoys singing and reading fictional novels.
Gbarakoro Deborah Barinabari is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying chemistry at Rivers State University. Although chemistry wasn’t her initial choice, she quickly fell in love with the subject, captivated by how it explains life and the interconnectedness of everything around us. Deborah’s passion goes beyond chemistry. Losing her father and sponsor at a pivotal moment in her university journey, coupled with having no financial skills to fall back on, ignited a fire within her. She is now driven to empower teenagers to discover their purpose and independence before they enter the university. That’s why she started UNA, a non-profit organization that coaches intentional African leaders in partnership with Leap2Lead. She dreams of sponsoring young people through university and pursuing medicinal chemistry after her undergraduate program. When she’s not researching, you can find her surfing the internet or reading books.
Lebari Neeka Gbenenee is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Port Harcourt pursuing a degree in Medicine and Surgery. Motivated by a personal tragedy—the loss of his father to heart failure and diabetes. This heartbreaking experience instilled in him a deep sense of helplessness and a burning desire to help others facing similar challenges. Neeka’s ultimate goal is to specialize in endocrinology, with a focus on diabetology, so that he can provide better care to those battling chronic conditions. Beyond academics, Neeka enjoys reading fictional novels and playing games, which help him unwind and recharge.
Esther Finapiri Tamunoene is a student of the University of Port Harcourt. Her love for science and agriculture resulted to her interest in Plant Science and Biotechnology which she studies to attain a degree on. She is a final year student who, in her spare time, enjoys reading books, cooking and watching videos and shows that imparts to her hair braiding, culinary and crocheting skills. She aspires to delve into the agriculture and environment industry in Nigeria, explore her culinary skills, both home and abroad and own a farm.
Continuing Scholarship Recipients
The Foundation is pleased to continue supporting four previous scholarship recipients, who have all continued to excel academically, with scholarships and stipends for the 2024 – 2025 academic year.
Ue-in Dooanubari – 2nd year, Nursing, University of Port Harcourt
Goodness Sira Nwoke – 3rd year, Medicine & Surgery, University of Port Harcourt
Bariture-Warri – 4th year, Marine Engineering, Rivers State University
Uba Michael Amaranjo, 4th year, Nursing, University of Port Harcourt
Kponee-Shovein Foundation 