NIGERIAN students in the UK facing financial difficulties can now access money from the Oluremi Tinubu Hardship Fund set up to ease their plight and prevent them having to drop out of university.

In April this year, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the former Lagos State governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, established the fund to aid Nigerian students struggling in the UK. To be administered by the Association of Nigerian Academics UK (Anauk), the fund is designed to help diasporan pupils cope with school fees and accommodation expenses.

Anauk president, Councillor Adedamola Aminu, said: “This fund was set up by Senator Oluremi Tinubu in London on April 5 2014 to support Nigerian students experiencing unforeseen financial hardships. Applicants must be Nigerian overseas students in any higher education institution in the UK.

“Applicants will have to meet criteria as set out in the application form and disbursement of funds is at the discretion of the Hardship Fund Committee of the association. The grant is part of our objectives of assisting Nigerian students in need and contributing to the development of next generation Nigerians and British academicians.”

He added that individuals cannot benefit from the fund twice. Councillor Aminu added that anyone looking for details of how to apply and criteria for qualification should visit the Anauk website

To kick off the project in April, Senator Tinubu, who represents Lagos Central Senatorial District, made an initial contribution of $20,000 to fund. Accompanied by several other senators and members of the House of Representatives, Senator Tinubu said the establishment of the fund is an extension of the work she is doing in Nigeria through her New Era Foundation, which provides opportunities for disadvantaged children.