PCNAF has directed its initial efforts toward the establishment of a scholarship program for Nigerian girls to pursue secondary education in Nigeria. According to data recently released by UNICEF, only 4% of Nigerian girls in the secondary school age group are enrolled in secondary school. Studies have found that more girls than boys drop out, repeat grades, or do not finish the primary cycle. Meanwhile, the United Nations Population Fund maintains that a 0.3 percent boost in economic growth results from a one-percent increase in the number of girls finishing secondary school. This scholarship program was created in an effort to eliminate some of the barriers that discourage or
exclude girls from the benefits of basic and advanced education. PCNAF believes educating girls will help raise economic productivity and reduce poverty.

The scholarships are awarded to girls anywhere in Nigeria without reference to ethnic identity. The scholarship awards help to defray such school-related costs as tuition, books and living expenses for up to three years. Any girl enrolled in the final level of free secondary school (grade 9) is eligible to apply. Recipients are chosen on the basis of high academic credentials, financial need, and commitment to community service. Scholarship recipients are required to maintain excellent academic performance and high standards of conduct for the entire period that they receive PCNAF support.

PCNAF is collaborating with the Forum for African Women Educationalists in Nigeria (FAWE-N), an in-country NGO, to implement the program. FAWE-N is responsible for administering the program locally. The first scholarships were awarded during the 2003-2004 school year.

2003 — 2004 Scholarship Recipients

	Faiza Abba Aliyu Musdafa College Yola, Adamawa State "One very important event in my life was the day I was called to go and collect a prize during our last school speech and prize day. I collected a prize for overall second best student."
	Bridget Asamiyuko Chude Girls Model School Sapele, Delta State "I must confess that this scholarship award saved me from a lot of financial stress in my academics. Without it I might have become a dropout."
	Esther Ndakotsu Mawo School Minna, Niger State "I need the financial aid because I have a brother and two sisters who my daddy is training and he only has a small pension"
	Rihanat Salihu Sheikh Abdul Kadiri College Ilorin, Kwara State "The most important event in my life is the day when I was given admission into secondary school."

2004 — 2005 Scholarship Recipients

	Kikelomo Adekunle Estate High School Akure, Ondo State "I need the financial aid because I am a poor orphan. My condition has been poor since the death of my father."
	Huzaifatu Baku Federal Government Girls College Yola, Adamawa State "I happened to be a member of a group of students who went to the hospital for an excursion to the office of Dr. Linda, and since then it became part of me to study and become a female doctor."
	Anuge Maris Ayela-Uwangue Academy Benin City, Edo State "What I really want to be in life is a medical doctor...I hate seeing people suffering from any form of sickness or disease without any medical help. It is my dream that when I grow up I will help this kind of person get treated."
Photo Unavailable	Adigo Okutepa Star International Secondary School Abuja, Federal Capital Territory

Nigerian Girls' Scholarship Fund | Secondary School Partnership Program