Benjamin Oyemonlan Talent Development Program (BOTDP) Scholarship | Fully Funded
The Benjamin Oyemonlan Talent Development Program is a fully funded scholarship for AltSchool Africa’s Nano Diploma courses, which offer short, practical training in videography, entrepreneurship, content creation, and customer relations. Benjamin Oyemonlan, founder of fintech company Platnova, established the programme as a personal philanthropic initiative.
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The inaugural cohort’s application deadline was September 20, 2025, closing the first-ever round of this programme. This is a new initiative, launched in August 2025, so it does not yet have an established annual application cycle. However, the organisers have described it as a long-term platform rather than a one-time programme, with plans to expand into scholarships, internships, mentorship, and career placements. This guide explains what the programme offers, who it is designed for, and what to watch for if future cohorts open.
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About the Programme’s Origins
Benjamin Oyemonlan founded this programme as a personal corporate social responsibility initiative rather than something run through a large foundation or institution, launching it in partnership with AltSchool Africa specifically because of AltSchool’s established, industry-recognised curriculum in digital and creative skills.
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At the Lagos launch event, Oyemonlan explained that the programme aims to bridge the gap between young Africans who want to develop digital and creative skills and the financial barriers that limit access to training. He emphasised that “no dream should be cut short because of financial constraints.” What’s worth understanding about this programme’s structure is its scale and focus — this isn’t a broad university scholarship or a multi-year degree programme, but access to AltSchool’s Nano Diploma tracks specifically, which are shorter, more focused courses aimed at building practical, income-generating skills quickly rather than a full multi-year credential.
The organisers have stated that this inaugural cohort marks the beginning of a longer-term platform, with future editions and a broader range of opportunities planned. However, they have not yet publicly confirmed a timeline for the second cohort.
Benjamin Oyemonlan Talent Development Program (BOTDP) Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Name ⇒ | Benjamin Oyemonlan Talent Development Program (BOTDP) |
| Host Country ⇒ | Africa |
| Study Level ⇒ | Training |
| Benefits ⇒ | 100% tuition coverage, mentorship, and access to AltSchool Africa’s Nano Diploma courses |
| Funded by ⇒ | Benjamin Oyemonlan, in partnership with AltSchool Africa |
| Eligible Countries ⇒ | All African countries |
| Application Deadline ⇒ | Inaugural cohort closed September 20, 2025. No confirmed date for a next cohort — organisers have stated this is intended as an ongoing platform |
Who Can Apply
- You must be a resident of an African country — the programme is explicitly open across the continent, not restricted to any single nation.
- You need genuine passion for developing skills in creative or entrepreneurial fields, rather than applying generically for any free training available.
- You need access to stable internet, a mobile device, and a computer, since every course is delivered entirely online through AltSchool Africa’s platform.
- You need to be self-motivated and genuinely committed, given the hands-on, project-based nature of the coursework.
- You need to be realistically able to dedicate sufficient time to complete practical projects and course activities — this isn’t passive video-watching, but active, applied coursework.
The Nano Diploma Tracks Available
- Videography Essentials for Stunning Visuals — practical training in video production and visual storytelling.
- Entrepreneurship Foundation for Building a Startup — grounding in the fundamentals of launching and running a business.
- Crafting Lifestyle Content that Inspires — content creation skills aimed at lifestyle and personal brand-building.
- Mastering Irresistible Food Content — a specifically food-focused content creation track, reflecting the growing demand for food and culinary content creators.
- Build Strong Customer Relationships — training in customer relations, a skill set with direct application across almost any business or service role.
What the Programme Provides
- 100% tuition coverage for your selected Nano Diploma Program at AltSchool Africa — no fees for the course itself.
- Structured mentorship from experienced industry professionals, rather than self-guided coursework with no outside support.
- Hands-on project experience, aimed specifically at building practical, income-generating skills you can apply immediately rather than purely theoretical knowledge.
- Entry into a network of talented young Africans going through the same programme, creating space for peer learning and collaboration alongside the formal coursework.
Worth noting: because this scholarship covers AltSchool Africa’s Nano Diploma tracks specifically, it’s a shorter-form credential than AltSchool’s full 12-month diploma programmes — a faster, more focused route into a specific skill area rather than a comprehensive multi-discipline qualification.
Documents Required
Delivered in partnership with AltSchool Africa, the Benjamin Oyemonlan Talent Development Program (BOTDP) provides fully funded scholarships for self-paced, hands-on digital and creative training. Disciplines cover tech development, visual content creation, food content production, and lifestyle entrepreneurship.
Because the selection process evaluates technical curiosity, commitment, and creative potential, candidates must prepare and format their portfolio and identity documents prior to accessing the registration portal.
1. Completed Official Google Form Application:
Access & Platform: The primary intake application is hosted via an official Google Form link managed by BOTDP/AltSchool Africa.
Data Inputs: Requires complete personal biodata, active contact information, functional WhatsApp number, email address, and selection of your primary training track (e.g., software engineering, visual content creation, or digital marketing).
2. Personal Statement / Motivation Letter (Essay Fields):
Format: Directly written or pasted into the designated form text fields (typically 250–500 words).
Key Themes:
- Motivation & Track Readiness: Explaining why you selected your specific digital track and your current beginner-level exposure.
- Execution Plan: Demonstrating how you intend to manage self-paced learning alongside your personal schedule.
- Impact & Career Vision: Outlining how acquiring these skills will help you generate sustainable income or build an entrepreneurial venture in your community.
3. Proof of Residence in an African Country:
Target Audience: The BOTDP scholarship is exclusively open to African youth living on the continent.
Accepted Documents: Clear scan of an official government-issued National Identity Card/NIN slip, International Passport (bio data page), Voter’s Card, Utility Bill, or Student ID confirming current physical location within an African country.
4. Creative Portfolio or Demonstration Link (Track-Dependent):
Applicability: Required primarily for creative tracks (such as Videography, Visual Content Creation, UX/UI Design, or Food Content Production).
Format Standards: Hosted online via cloud links (Google Drive, Dropbox) or public social media/professional channels (Behance, YouTube, Instagram, GitHub, or personal portfolio websites).
Content Focus: Showcases 1 to 3 samples of past work, sample design drafts, edited video reels, software code repositories, or creative writing pieces. For absolute beginners, submitting a baseline sample project or creative conceptual plan satisfies the requirement.
How to Apply
- Access the official application form.
- Complete all required fields on the form carefully, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Select your preferred Nano Diploma Program from the available options:
- Videography Essentials for Stunning Visuals
- Entrepreneurship Foundation for Building a Startup
- Crafting Lifestyle Content that Inspires
- Mastering Irresistible Food Content
- Build Strong Customer Relationships
- Upload all required documents
- Submit your application before the deadline to be considered for the scholarship.
Make sure to double-check your information and attachments before submission to avoid disqualification. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
What to Watch For — Given This Is a New, Evolving Programme
- Since this programme has no established annual cycle yet, the most reliable approach is watching Benjamin Oyemonlan’s and AltSchool Africa’s official channels directly for any announcement of a second cohort, rather than assuming a fixed yearly date.
- If a new cohort opens, decide on your preferred Nano Diploma track in advance — the five tracks span quite different skill areas, so picking based on genuine interest and career direction matters more than picking the first option listed.
- Prepare your personal statement and, if relevant to your chosen track, a portfolio ahead of time, so you’re ready to move quickly once any application window opens — the inaugural cohort’s roughly three-week window (August to September 2025) suggests these openings may not stay open long.
- Confirm you have reliable access to internet, a computer, and a mobile device before applying, since the entire programme is delivered online with no in-person component.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Benjamin Oyemonlan Talent Development Program currently accepting applications?
Not currently. The inaugural cohort’s deadline was September 20, 2025, and that cohort has closed. No date for a second cohort has been publicly announced yet.
Is this programme expected to run again?
The organisers have stated that the programme is designed as a long-term platform, with plans to expand into scholarships, internships, mentorship, and career placements over time. However, they have not yet announced a confirmed date for the next cohort.
Is this the same as AltSchool Africa’s own 12-month diploma scholarships?
No. This programme specifically funds AltSchool’s shorter Nano Diploma tracks, which are more focused, faster credentials than AltSchool’s full diploma programmes.
Do I need prior experience in my chosen track to apply?
The eligibility criteria prioritise genuine passion and commitment over formal experience. However, applicants may need to submit a portfolio for relevant tracks, particularly in areas such as videography and content creation, while entrepreneurship and customer relations may place less emphasis on previous work samples.
Is this scholarship open to any African country, or only specific ones?
It’s open across Africa broadly — residence in any African country qualifies, without a narrower country-specific restriction.
Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, and eligibility criteria in this post were verified from official news coverage and public announcements as of August 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly through Benjamin Oyemonlan’s and AltSchool Africa’s official channels before applying. ScholarWaka is not affiliated with Benjamin Oyemonlan, Platnova, or AltSchool Africa.
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