The Making of Champions Student-Athlete Scholarship in Nigeria is a transformative opportunity for young track and field athletes aiming to combine athletic excellence with academic success.
Founded in 2013 by Bambo Akani, MoC is Nigeria’s leading sports media and management company, dedicated to reviving athletics through talent development and education. The scholarship, launched in 2016, supports promising teenage athletes by covering their training and university education, with a vision to produce Olympic medalists for Nigeria.
Backed by corporate sponsors like ARCO Group and ND Western, this program has empowered talents like Maria Umoibang and Chiamaka Egbochinam to shine on national and international stages. For aspiring athletes, parents, and coaches, this guide details how the MoC Student-Athlete Scholarship is revolutionizing sports scholarships in Nigeria.
What is the Making of Champions Student-Athlete Scholarship?
The MoC Student-Athlete Scholarship is a unique initiative designed to nurture Nigeria’s next generation of track and field champions while ensuring their academic growth.
Launched in 2016, the program targets talented teenage athletes, typically aged 14-18, who demonstrate exceptional potential in athletics and strong academic performance.
The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, nutrition, training, and competition costs, providing a holistic support system for athletes to excel both on the track and in the classroom.
Key Features of the Scholarship
Eligibility: Open to Nigerian youth with outstanding athletic talent, particularly in track and field, and good academic records. Athletes are often scouted through MoC’s Top Sprinter competition or nationwide trials.
Benefits: Full coverage of secondary school or university education, training under Olympic medalist coaches like Deji Aliu, and opportunities for international exposure, including US collegiate scholarships.
Purpose: To develop world-class athletes capable of competing at global events like the Olympics while ensuring they receive quality education for future careers.
Sponsorship: Supported by corporate partners such as ARCO Group, Shell Nigeria (SNEPCo), and ND Western, who fund scholarships and talent search competitions.
Track Record: Since its inception, the program has awarded scholarships to athletes like Joy Udo-Gabriel, Jeremiah Jakpa, and Maria Umoibang, with several securing US collegiate scholarships worth over $1 million combined.
The scholarship aligns with MoC’s mission to make Nigeria a top track and field nation by 2028, as evidenced by their focus on events like the Paris 2024 and LA 2028 Olympics. By combining athletics with education, MoC sets a high standard for sports scholarships in Nigeria, rivaling programs like the Pepsi Football Academy in impact and ambition.
How to Apply for the Making of Champions Student-Athlete Scholarship
Applying for the MoC Student-Athlete Scholarship requires showcasing both athletic and academic prowess, primarily through MoC’s talent identification platforms.
The process is competitive, with selections based on performance at trials and academic merit. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:
- Participate in MoC Trials or Top Sprinter Competition: MoC holds annual trials nationwide and organizes the Top Sprinter competition, a reality TV-style event to discover talent. For example, Joy Udo-Gabriel and Jeremiah Jakpa were scouted at the 2015 Top Sprinter event in Benin. Check MoC’s website or social media for trial announcements.
- Complete the Application Form: If selected during trials, athletes may need to fill out a form via platforms like SurveyMonkey, as noted for track club trials (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MoCTrackClubTrials). Provide personal details, athletic achievements, and academic records.
- Submit Required Documents:
- Birth certificate (original and photocopy)
- Recent academic results (e.g., secondary school grades or SSCE with credits in Mathematics and English)
- Passport photographs
- Medical certificate (if required by sponsors)
- Excel in Trials: Trials assess speed, endurance, and technique under coaches like Deji Aliu (Olympic 4x100m bronze medalist). Top performers may receive immediate scholarship offers, as seen with Chiamaka Egbochinam’s 2016 scholarship from Shell.
- Secure Corporate Sponsorship: MoC connects top athletes with sponsors like ND Western or Shell for funding. Athletes should maintain consistent performance to attract sponsor attention.
- Follow Up: After trials, stay engaged via MoC’s website or email ([email protected]) for updates on scholarship decisions or additional requirements.
Tip: Prepare for trials by training regularly and maintaining good grades, as MoC prioritizes well-rounded student-athletes. Due to limited scholarship slots, early registration for trials is crucial.
Success Stories and Impact
The MoC Student-Athlete Scholarship has produced remarkable success stories, transforming young athletes into national and international stars. Here are some highlights:
- Maria Umoibang: Discovered through MoC’s talent search, Maria, Nigeria’s fastest 15-year-old in 2020, secured a full US collegiate scholarship at South Plains College, Texas, in 2022, funded by ND Western. Trained by Deji Aliu, she competed in the 100m final at Nigeria’s 2021 Olympic Trials at age 16.
- Chiamaka Egbochinam: Awarded a two-year secondary school scholarship by Shell Nigeria in 2016, covering tuition, accommodation, and training. As a 14-year-old, she won the 100m Junior Championship at MoC’s Top Sprinter Finals, showcasing her potential for future global competitions.
- Joy Udo-Gabriel and Jeremiah Jakpa: Identified at the 2015 Top Sprinter competition, both received four-year university scholarships from ARCO Group, covering all costs. Their success highlights MoC’s ability to spot and nurture talent early.
- Bowo Egbeyemi: Supported by ND Western since 2017, Bowo pursued an engineering degree at the University of Ibadan while training with MoC, demonstrating the program’s academic-athletic balance.
The scholarship’s impact extends beyond individual achievements. MoC’s Track Club, launched in 2016, has produced over 60 national and international medals under coaches like Deji Aliu and Glory Alozie.
The program’s partnerships with universities like Unilag and Uniport, and its role in securing US collegiate scholarships, have elevated Nigeria’s athletics profile. By fostering discipline, education, and athletic excellence, MoC is reshaping the landscape of youth football scholarships and sports scholarships in Nigeria.
Why Choose Making of Champions?
The MoC Student-Athlete Scholarship stands out among Nigeria’s sports academies for its unique blend of athletics and education. Here’s why it’s a top choice:
- Elite Coaching: Athletes train under Olympic medalists like Deji Aliu and Glory Alozie, ensuring world-class mentorship.
- Holistic Development: Unlike football-focused programs like the Pepsi Football Academy, MoC integrates academic support, preparing athletes for careers beyond sports.
- International Opportunities: Partnerships with US colleges have secured scholarships worth over $1 million, offering global exposure.
- Corporate Backing: Sponsors like ARCO, Shell, and ND Western provide robust funding, ensuring comprehensive support for athletes.
- Proven Success: MoC athletes have won medals at events like the World U20 Championships and qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, proving the program’s effectiveness.
Compared to other programs, such as the Segun Odegbami International College, which offers multi-sport scholarships, MoC’s focus on track and field and its reality TV-style Top Sprinter competition make it uniquely engaging. However, its scholarship slots are limited, requiring athletes to stand out during trials.
Conclusion
The Making of Champions Student-Athlete Scholarship is a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s young track and field athletes, offering a rare blend of world-class training and academic support.
With success stories like Maria Umoibang and Chiamaka Egbochinam, and backing from corporate giants like ND Western and Shell, the program is paving the way for Nigeria to reclaim its place among global athletics powerhouses.
Aspiring athletes should seize this opportunity by participating in MoC’s trials and showcasing their talent. Visit Making of Champions to start your journey toward becoming Nigeria’s next Olympic champion.