Achieving and Maintaining Excellence in College: SWIS Africa Empowers Secondary School Girls at the University of Ibadan

On Friday, 6th June 2026, the BNI Youth Center at the University of Ibadan buzzed with energy as SWIS Africa hosted its High School Empowerment Program — a dynamic, knowledge-packed session designed to equip secondary school girls with the tools, mindset, and networks they need to thrive in college and beyond.

Setting the Stage

From the moment the session opened, the room was filled with curiosity and ambition. Young women gathered from across the secondary school community to hear from seasoned professionals and accomplished voices on what it truly takes to not just gain admission into university — but to flourish once you get there. The theme, Achieving and Maintaining Excellence in College, set a clear and inspiring tone for the day.

What Was Covered

The program tackled five core areas that are often the difference between a student who struggles and one who soars.

Study Strategies and Academic Habits - Attendees received practical guidance on how to build consistent study routines, engage meaningfully with coursework, and develop the kind of academic discipline that sustains performance across an entire degree programme — not just during exam season.

Time Management and Organisation - College life comes with a level of freedom that can quickly become overwhelming without structure. The session broke down how to prioritise tasks, manage competing deadlines, and build schedules that make room for both academic excellence and personal wellbeing.

Finding Mentors and Meaningful Networks - One of the most powerful messages of the day was this: who you know matters, but more importantly, who knows you. The speakers walked attendees through how to identify and approach mentors, build genuine professional relationships, and position themselves within networks that can open doors throughout their careers.

Scholarships and Financial Aid - Many talented students miss out on funding simply because they do not know where to look or how to apply. This segment demystified the scholarship landscape — highlighting opportunities available to Nigerian students and offering practical tips on crafting compelling applications.

Budgeting and Money Management - Financial literacy is rarely taught in school, yet it shapes the quality of a student's entire university experience. The programme addressed how to budget on a student income, avoid common financial pitfalls, and build healthy money habits early.

The Speakers

The day's conversations were led by three remarkable women whose own journeys made every topic come alive.

Dr Shalom Abraham brought depth and credibility to the discussion on academic excellence and professional development, drawing on her own experience to show what sustained success looks like in practice.

Fiyinfoluwa Rachael Ajayi connected deeply with the students on the realities of navigating university life — the social pressures, the academic demands, and the importance of staying grounded in your purpose.

Adeyemi Bukola rounded out the day's sessions with insights on financial planning and scholarships, offering a candid and relatable perspective on managing the financial side of higher education.

Together, they created a space that was honest, engaging, and deeply motivating.

Why This Matters

At SWIS Africa, we believe that preparing women for STEM and higher education begins well before they step onto a university campus. The High School Empowerment Program is part of our commitment to meeting young women where they are — giving them access to the conversations, the mentors, and the knowledge that will shape the choices they make and the futures they build.

The girls who attended left with more than notes. They left with clarity, confidence, and a network of women cheering them on.