Florence Otedola, international Disk Jockey professionally known as DJ Cuppy, has announced a £100,000 gift as support to Africans undergoing their graduate studies at Oxford University, United Kingdom.
In a release shared on the university’s website, it was revealed that the singer pledged the donation to the Africa Oxford Initiative, AfOx to help African graduate students meet their “unexpected and urgent financial needs” while at the university.
Cuppy, who recently graduated from Oxford, bagged her Masters in African Studies from the university in 2022.
In her statement, the DJ said she witnessed first-hand how the lack of resources posed a challenge for several African students during her time in university. She stated that this inspired her to set up the fund which would help “narrow the resource gaps” for the needy.
“I am so proud of this partnership that not only extends my relationship with Oxford University but empowers future generations to come,” she said. “Having just graduated with a MSc degree in African Studies myself, I saw first-hand the variances in university life experiences for students originating from my continent, Africa.
“The fundamental role that the Cuppy Fund will play is to narrow resource gaps for those who need it the most so they can fully commit to pursuing the education they deserve. The opportunity to study at Oxford is an accomplishment but one fully realised when you are able to complete your course.”
The Co-Director of AfOx, Dr Anne Makena, expressed appreciation for the gift. She also noted that the fund would go towards addressing “unique challenges” that African graduate students might face while attending the university.
She said, “We are absolutely delighted that Cuppy is so generously supporting African graduate students here at Oxford. We both share the experience of being African graduate students at Oxford and it is a great honour for AfOx to partner with Cuppy to address some of the unique challenges that African students might encounter during their time in Oxford.
“The Cuppy Africa Oxford Scholars Fund will help to ensure that they have access to the best possible support to navigate and succeed at Oxford, and continue on to remarkable careers as champions of development in African countries and globally.”
