Not fewer than 17 students selected from different secondary schools in Ekiti State have been awarded scholarship by a philanthropist, Dr Oluwadare Owolabi.
The scholarship of ₦100,000 each were offered to the outstanding students in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agricultural Science, Economics and Mathematics subjects across three schools.
The students, drawn from Igogo Commercial High School, Igogo-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area, Ayede Grammar School, Ayede-Ekiti, in Oye and Odo Oro High School, Odo Oro Ekiti in Ikole, benefited from the annual scholarship award.
Owolabi, while addressing the students and teachers at the ceremony on Thursday, said the gesture was his own way of assisting the students, especially the indigents, in pursuing their education careers without any form of hindrance.
He explained that the gesture would go a long way to encourage the students towards adding values to the educational development in the state.
The philanthropist commended the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his deliberate efforts and investment at improving the standard of education in the state.
He added that the scholarship scheme would complement the government’s investment in education.
He posited that funding of education should not be left alone for the government, saying individuals and groups must play their parts in a bid to sustain the educational status of Ekiti State.
The donor urged the beneficiaries and other students to be dedicated to their educational pursuit and avoid distractions that could derail them from being successful and attaining their potential.
“I was in their situation some years ago to be precise 1991 as a secondary school student. But we appreciate the faithfulness of God in our life, hence my decision to give back to the society, especially to the outstanding students.
“We all know that the government alone cannot fund education, because they have too many areas and sectors to attend to.
“So, we decided to assist and complement the efforts of our governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who has been doing well for us in Ekiti State.
“I have promised the students that this scholarship is going to be yearly and also be extended by the grace of God.
“I am more passionate about having our education system improved because that is our signature as a state and we must not deviate from what we are known for.
“I was in their shoe over three decades ago but with perseverance, hard work and commitment, I was able to become who I am today. So, they too can be great and successful with the support we are giving them,” he said.
The philanthropist promised to follow up with the beneficiaries on their journey in a bid to offer more support in the future.
Speaking, the Onise of Odo Oro Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Jemilehin Aladesodedero I, commended the gesture of the donor, noting that the investment would, in no small measure, help the students attain their potential in future.
The traditional ruler urged the beneficiaries and the entire students across the three schools to remain focused on their educational career and come up with excellent results to encourage the donor.
Responding on behalf of the principals of the beneficiary schools, the principal of Odo Oro High School, Johnson Oladimeji, lauded the gesture of the donor to reward the outstanding students in the school.
“Your decision to reward the best students in each subject is not only a commendable act of giving back but also a noble investment in the future of our children,” he said.
He assured the donor that the school would remain committed to providing a conducive learning environment for students to thrive.
The school principal added, “we welcome your ideas, mentorship and partnership as we build a brighter future together.”
