Got Great #eNNovative Ideas for 350k?

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced a new policy on cash-based transactions which stipulates a cash handling charge on daily cash withdrawals. The new policy is aimed at reducing the amount of physical cash circulating, encouraging more electronic-based transactions (payments for goods, services, transfers, etc.) and drive financial inclusion by providing more efficient transaction options and greater reach. It is also aimed at developing and modernizing the Nigerian payment system.

As a proactive measure to solve some of the challenges posed by the cashless policy, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems PLC (NIBSS) conceived the idea of organizing an online crowd sourced contest aimed at generating innovative ideas to drive the policy, and generate solutions to overcome the present challenges.

The contest known as the “2015 ennovation Challenge” is managed by Digital Jewels Limited and is organized in partnership with Samsung and IBM. A large percentage of the process will be completed online. Participants will be required to logon to a website and write ideas around the topic “How do I make cashless policy more effective in my community” for a cash reward of N350, 000 each and some Samsung devices for the top 10 ideas.

Got that idea? Visit http://ennovatenaija.com/

2015 Farafina Trust Creative Writing Workshop, have you registered?

Farafina Trust will be holding a creative writing workshop in Lagos, organized by award-winning writer and creative director of Farafina Trust, Chimamanda Adichie, from June 16 to June 26, 2015. The workshop is sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc. Guest writers who will co-teach the workshop alongside Adichie are the Caine Prize Winning Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina, National Librarian of Norway Aslak Sira Myhre, and others.

The workshop will take the form of a class. Participants will be assigned a wide range of reading exercises, as well as daily writing exercises. The aim of the workshop is to improve the craft of Nigerian writers and to encourage published and unpublished writers by bringing different perspectives to the art of storytelling. Participation is limited only to those who apply and are accepted.

To apply, send an e-mail to Udonandu2015@gmail.com. Your e-mail subject should read ‘Workshop Application.’ The body of the e-mail should contain the following:

1. Your name
2. Your address
3. A few sentences about yourself
4. A writing sample of between 200 and 800 words. The sample must be either fiction or non-fiction.

All material must be pasted or written in the body of the e-mail. Please DO NOT include any attachments in your e-mail. Applications with attachments will be automatically disqualified.

Deadline for submissions is April 30, 2015. Only those accepted to the workshop will be notified by June 2, 2015. Accommodation in Lagos will be provided for all accepted applicants who are able to attend for the ten-day duration of the workshop. A literary evening of readings, open to the public, will be held at the end of the workshop.

For more info: https://farafinabooks.wordpress.com/2015/03/18/2015-farafina-trust-creative-writing-workshop/

Germany Tuition Free Universities and Scholarships for International Students

Germany has become a popular destination for foreign students looking for an international education. German Universities offers internationally recognized programs at a relatively cheaper cost compared to UK, USA or Australia. Moreover, there are a significant number of available scholarships that allows foreign students to study in Germany for free.

As of October 2014, all Universities in Germany will not charge any tuition fees for undergraduate studies.  In some Federal States, Universities will charge a semester contribution (about 50 euros) and/or administration fees (about 50 euros). This tuition fee structure can change in the future, you should check this page for updated information on tuition fees in different federal states in Germany.

Unlike undergraduate studies, most Master’s or PhD studies in Germany are fee-based. The costs for postgraduate studies are in addition to the enrollment and confirmation fees.  Fortunately, there are a good number of scholarships for Masters and PhD study in Germany.

The Germany Scholarship Program provides financial and non-material support to high-achieving and committed students from all over the world. The Germany Scholarship supports highly talented students at all participating universities in Germany. The scholarship is awarded without consideration of personal or parent income and one’s nationality is not material to award either.   The scholarship amounts to 300 EUR per month and is granted for at least two semesters but may be provided for a maximum time which covers the standard period of study.  

In case you are interested, visit the following sites for more info:

http://www.deutschlandstipendium.de/de/2319.php

http://www.internationale-studierende.de/en/prepare_your_studies/studying_in_germany/