End Poverty in all Forms
End Poverty in all Forms
- 1.2.1 Covenant University Anti-poverty Initiative
- 1.3.0 Key Achievements Towards SDG 1
- 1.3.1 Research and Community Engagement
- 1.3.2 Student Support Services
- 1.3.3 Provision of Financial Aid
- 1.3.4 Scholarships
- 1.3.5 Entrepreneurship Development Studies (EDS)
- 1.3.6 Covenant University’s Hebron Start-up Lab (HSL)
- 1.3.7 Industry/Town-Gown Collaborations
- 1.4.0 Ongoing Policies and Initiatives
- 1.4.1 Policy Development to Foster Awareness for Government on clean energy and energy-efficient Technologies
- 7.4.5 Assistance for Start-ups Towards Low-Carbon economy/Technology
1.2.1. Covenant University Anti-Poverty Initiative
At Covenant University, we are committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty. This goal aligns deeply with our mission to restore the dignity of the black race through innovative education, research, and community engagement. Below, we share our milestones, initiatives, and future plans for poverty alleviation.
Covenant University envisions a world free from poverty where education, innovation, and sustainable practices empower individuals and communities to thrive economically and socially. Our efforts reflect a blend of academic excellence and community service designed to uplift the underprivileged.
1.3.1. Research and Community Engagement
Covenant University’s faculty actively conduct research focused on poverty reduction, extending their impact to the local community, Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large. The university has consistently engaged in research and community initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty. Ranked #4 in Nigeria, #22 in Africa, and among the top 100 globally for SDG 1 scholarly outputs between 2019 and 2023 (SCIVAL), Covenant University’s achievements include having two of its faculty members, Prof. Evans S. C. Osabuohien and Prof. Oluwatoyin A. Matthew, listed among the top 100 global authors in this field.
The university also conducts numerous community impact programs, providing underserved neighboring communities with free medical checkups, healthcare services, and food supplies (both cooked and raw). Additionally, it donates essential public amenities such as pipe-borne water and electricity transformers to enhance residents’ quality of life. Empowerment programs are organized for small business owners and farmers, with seed grants offered to support and grow their ventures.
1.3.1. Student Support Services
Covenant University has initiated various student support services and policies that emphasize the general wellbeing of students on campus. This is an in-loco-parentis initiative that makes the campus feel like a home away from home for our students. Our students’ needs are catered for financially and mentally. Many orientation programs towards living a balanced life on campus are organised for the students regularly.
The University also collaborates with governmental and non-governmental organizations and also her alumni body to offer opportunities to students in the university and in the local communities. These opportunities include job offers to prospective graduates, internships, trainings and research collaborations.
1.3.1. Provision of Financial Aid
Covenant University collaborates with key units, including the Student Affairs Unit, Chaplaincy, and Alumni Office, to provide financial aid to students from households in the bottom 20% income group. This support helps students cover essential expenses such as meal plans, textbooks, and daily necessities, ensuring they can focus on their studies without financial strain.
1.3.1. Scholarships
Covenant University provides international scholarships, fellowships, and grants to both local and international students. In addition to the university’s own scholarship programs, various organizations, including foundations, trusts, and corporate bodies, also offer scholarships to international students. Through initiatives such as the David Oyedepo Foundation, Alumni Endowment, Chaplaincy Unit, and Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE), Covenant University awards global merit scholarships annually to outstanding students from households in the bottom 20% income group.
1.3.1. Entrepreneurship Development Studies (EDS)
Covenant University has a well-established and adequately equipped Centre for Entrepreneurial Development Studies which provides students with hands-on experiences on various skills and vocations. Students are also encouraged to develop the business of the skill they have learnt and helped through the university’s Hebron Start-up lab to launch their businesses even while on Campus. Covenant University’s reputation to make things happen as well as her capacity to cultivate and support talents, skills and entrepreneurs are reflected in the quality of her graduates.
Some of the companies founded by our graduates
include Softcom, KoraPay, PiggyVest, ThriveAgric, Level UP, etc. These were delivered with available resources, support from the University as well as from the external community who helped to give exposure, mentoring, training, opportunities, and support.
1.3.1. Covenant University’s Hebron Start-up Lab (HSL)
Covenant University Hebron Start-Up Lab supports students in incubating their ideas and launching businesses while still on campus. It features an investment hub and the Covenant University Finance Society, which provide education on sustainable investment practices and healthy financial habits. Additionally, the university hosts a UNESCO Youth Club, serving as a hub for all social-development programs and associations, mirroring UNESCO’s collaborations with NGOs and expert networks to organize initiatives and execute projects. The Start-Up Lab’s mission is to foster high-growth entrepreneurs, talents, and teams dedicated to solving real-world problems through innovation and entrepreneurship.
1.3.1. Industry/Town-Gown Collaborations
Covenant University partners with industry to implement empowerment programs tailored to specific community groups. Notably, the Town/Gown initiative fosters interaction between industry experts and students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for the future workplace. Highlights of 2024 include collaborations with the International Federation of Training and Development Organisation’s Committee for Youth and Women Empowerment (IFTDO-CYWE) and TotalEnergies to provide grants for widows running small-scale businesses in Lagos and Ogun States. Additionally, through the Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE), the university partnered with Beulah World Initiative and MeCure Diagnostic Centre, Lagos, to offer free breast and prostate cancer screenings and treatments for residents of Ado-Odo Ota.
1.3.1. Industry/Town-Gown Collaborations
Covenant University partners with industry to implement empowerment programs tailored to specific community groups. Notably, the Town/Gown initiative fosters interaction between industry experts and students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for the future workplace. Highlights of 2024 include collaborations with the International Federation of Training and Development Organisation’s Committee for Youth and Women Empowerment (IFTDO-CYWE) and TotalEnergies to provide grants for widows running small-scale businesses in Lagos and Ogun States. Additionally, through the Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE), the university partnered with Beulah World Initiative and MeCure Diagnostic Centre, Lagos, to offer free breast and prostate cancer screenings and treatments for residents of Ado-Odo Ota.