The Unique Open University (UOU), with support from the Prof. Chris Imumolen Foundation, has awarded scholarships valued at about ₦50 million to outstanding student-athletes during the finals of the National Secondary School American Football League, popularly known as AKETI Bowl 2.
The scholarship presentation ceremony, held on March 11, 2026, in Lagos, brought together government officials, education stakeholders and sports administrators in an event that celebrated athletic excellence alongside academic advancement.
The programme 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).
The initiative recognised top-performing athletes in flag football while promoting a “student-first” development approach that combines sporting discipline with academic progress.
Senior officials from the Lagos State education sector attended the ceremony. They included the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Ali-Balogun; the Permanent Secretary, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite; the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District V, Hassan Dauda Abiodun; the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District VI, Mojisola Christiana Yusuff; and the Director of Co-curricular Services Division, Adebesin Oluyemisi A.
Mr Azuka represented the Founder and President of Unique Open University, Prof. Chris Imumolen, while the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Dr Clement, also attended the event.
The scholarship initiative reflects the philanthropic efforts of Prof. 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 promoted wider access to education for young Africans, helping to empower more than 30,000 professionals across the continent.
Speaking at the event, representatives of the university emphasised that the scholarship scheme demonstrates UOU’s commitment to removing financial barriers that often hinder talented young people from achieving their academic potential.
The university, an NUC-accredited institution, operates a technology-driven learning system that offers 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.