Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC) has proudly announced Boluwatife Akinola as the 14th recipient of its prestigious Harvard Business School (HBS) scholarship. The announcement was made during a special ceremony held at SBC’s headquarters in Ijora, Lagos, where Akinola expressed her excitement about this life-changing opportunity.
The fully funded scholarship allows Akinola to pursue her MBA at Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts. It is awarded annually to a Nigerian resident who has been accepted into the HBS MBA program but lacks the financial means to attend. The selection process is rigorous, ensuring that the recipient meets specific criteria set by SBC’s management.
Nkemdirm Agboti, Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs at SBC, praised the initiative’s founder, Chairman Faysal El-Khalil, for establishing the scholarship in 2010 to commemorate the company’s 50th anniversary. Agboti also acknowledged the ongoing efforts of Managing Director Ziad Maalouf in sustaining and enhancing the program.
Norden Thurston, SBC’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the scholarship’s role in empowering young Nigerians. He stated, “By providing ordinary Nigerians with extraordinary access to one of the world’s leading educational institutions, we are equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to make a substantial impact on society.” This initiative reflects SBC’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to nurturing future leaders.
Since its inception, the scholarship has successfully supported 14 individuals, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions in various sectors. For instance, Misan Rewane, the first recipient in 2010, has been instrumental in enhancing employability skills for graduates across West Africa through her organization, West African Vocational Education (WAVE).
Akinola, the 2024 recipient, expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honored to receive the 7Up Harvard Business School scholarship. This opportunity is a dream come true, and I am committed to using my education to make a significant impact in Nigeria.” She aims to focus on reducing the number of out-of-school children in the country, demonstrating her dedication to social change.
The scholarship program not only highlights SBC’s commitment to education but also serves as a platform for fostering leadership among Nigerian youth. Maalouf encouraged Akinola to “spread your wings, learn and develop,” while also emphasizing the importance of returning to Nigeria to contribute positively to society.
In addition to the HBS scholarship, SBC is involved in various initiatives aimed at empowering young Nigerians, including the SME Scale Up program, Pepsi Football Academy, and Pepsi Music Academy. These efforts reflect the company’s broader mission to inspire and enable the next generation of leaders.
As Boluwatife Akinola embarks on her journey at Harvard, she joins a distinguished group of past recipients who have paved the way for future leaders in Nigeria. The 7Up Harvard Business School scholarship continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for talented individuals seeking to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
