The Africa Centre for Development Journalism (ACDJ) has announced a scholarship scheme in honour of Rotimi Sankore, a Nigerian development journalist who died a year ago.
The scholarship, aimed at supporting brilliant but indigent undergraduate students of Lagos State University (LASU), is specifically open to those studying Communication and Media Studies, particularly students with interests in development and data journalism.
Requirement
According to a statement signed by the Rotimi Sankore Scholarship Award Panel Chairman, Lanre Arogundade, applicants must have completed at least one full academic session at LASU with evidence of academic excellence and justification for deserving financial support.
Mr Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), explained that the scholarship will cover both tuition fees and accommodation costs
To apply, interested students are required to send in a 200-word written statement explaining why they should be considered for the award.
The statement further noted that applications and supporting documents are to be submitted to rotimisankoreawards@yahoo.com on or before 1 May while shortlisted candidates will be invited for a physical interview.
Honouring a media icon
Mr Sankore, in whose memory the award was established, died on 12 April, 2024.
Born on June 6, 1968, he was distinguished for his outstanding work as a journalist, data analyst, and radio presenter.
Over the years, he became known for using data to analyse and interpret national trends and development issues.
While alive, the deceased was the Executive Director of ACDJ, where he championed data-driven journalism on health, governance and policy issues.
Mr Sankore played a significant role in developing and adopting the Gender Protocol of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and advocating for the ratification of the African Union’s Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa.
He was renowned for his contributions to both national and international media, having written for respected publications such as The Guardian (UK), The News, and Global Index on Censorship.
The scholarship is being sponsored by award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Kadaria Ahmed, as a way of continuing the late Sankore’s legacy and investing in the next generation of journalists.
