Open-Gov Student Fellows Finalists Announced
Abuja, Nigeria – July 31st, 2024: DEAN Initiative is excited to announce the six finalists selected for the Open Gov Student Fellowship. These exceptional students from the University of Abuja have demonstrated a strong commitment to civic engagement and transparency by proposing innovative projects to access and analyze budget documents from various Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The fellowship aims to equip these young leaders with the skills and resources to champion open government initiatives in their communities.
Meet the Finalists and Their Projects
Jonathan Oritsemisan: A 400-level Geography and Environmental Management student, Jonathan is dedicated to reviewing the budget provisions for Primary Healthcare Infrastructures in Kwali Area Council. His project will develop strategic approaches to enhance civic action and accountability in the healthcare sector.
Ojuade Samuel Sunday: Aspiring Animal Scientist and a 500-level student, Samuel aims to evaluate the allocation for public infrastructures like veterinary clinics and livestock within Gwagwalada Area Council. This fellowship provides him with an invaluable opportunity to achieve his goal of improving public veterinary services.
Oluseyitan Abdulazeez Olasunkanmi: As a 300-level student of Veterinary Medicine, Azeez’s focus is on the education sector within Abuja Municipal Area Council. He intends to access the budget copy to scrutinize the amount allocated for education, advocating for better educational resources and facilities.
Benedicta Ibeojotule: A 300-level student of Medicine and Surgery, Benedicta is passionate about addressing climate change and environmental issues. She will analyze the Gwagwalada Area Council budget to determine its prioritization of climate and environmental concerns, aiming to drive improvements in environmental policies.
Ene Jane: Studying English Language at the 300 Level, Ene Jane is interested in mental health issues within the Abuja Municipal Area Council. Her project seeks to evaluate the council’s budget draft to ensure mental health receives adequate attention and resources.
Ugwuanyi Udoka Perpetual: A student of Banking and Finance, Perpetual’s project focuses on Water, Health, and Sanitation in Kuje Area Council. She will assess the council’s budget to evaluate the priority given to these critical areas, advocating for improved sanitation and healthcare services.
Next Steps
The selected finalists will receive a grant of ₦100,000 each to implement their projects. Throughout the fellowship, they will:
- Participate in capacity-building workshops and mentorship sessions to enhance their skills in civic engagement and open government practices.
- Develop detailed plans to access and analyze the budget documents.
- Engage with local government officials and stakeholders to gather insights and data.
- Present their findings and recommendations to the public and relevant authorities.
Objectives of the Open Gov Student Fellowship
1. Create an understanding of Open Government Partnership principles among students.
2. Empower students with the knowledge and skills to participate in and advocate for participatory budgeting.
3. Create a culture of transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in local governance.
4. Establish a network of engaged students for continuous interaction with DEAN Initiative and other civic organizations.
We congratulate Jonathan, Samuel, Azeez, Benedicta, Ene Jane, and Perpetual on their selection and look forward to supporting their impact-driven projects. This fellowship is a step towards sharpening a more transparent and accountable government, driven by the active participation of informed and empowered citizens.
For more information, please contact:
Taiye Ojo
Open Gov Student Challenge Project Coordinator
DEAN Initiative
Phone: 08135575406
Email: taiye.o@dean.com.ng
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