In a bold move to break the barriers of poverty through education, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli has paid WAEC fees for 48 secondary school students and awarded ₦100,000 scholarships to eight undergraduates across Oyo South Senatorial District.
The life-changing gesture was unveiled in Ibadan on Thursday at the second edition of the Awards and Presentation of Scholarship Programme, organised by the Good Governance and Development Initiative (GGDI) in partnership with the senator.
Senator Alli, who personally funds the scheme to the tune of millions of naira, said the programme now runs in 20 centres and is already producing results.
“Some participants from last year’s edition are now undergraduates. That’s proof we’re making an impact. We’ve expanded the scope this year and will soon include more undergraduates. The feedback has been overwhelming,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, praised the initiative as a lifeline for indigent students and urged beneficiaries to work hard and maximise the opportunity.
Prof. Peter Olapegba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), University of Ibadan, delivered the keynote lecture, describing education as a catalyst for national development. He challenged other well-meaning Nigerians to join the cause, insisting government alone cannot fund quality education.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—stay focused, disciplined, and determined to make something of your lives,” Olapegba told the students.
GGDI Coordinator, Prof. Olayinka Omotosho, said the initiative was designed to rebuild academic excellence in a generation distracted by misinformation and social pressures.
“Education is the most sustainable empowerment. Senator Alli’s consistent support has kept this vision alive,” Omotosho noted.
Beneficiaries
This year’s scholarship recipients, all products of the maiden edition, include:
- Sekinat Adewole (FCE Osiele)
- Ireoluwa Sogunle (KWASU)
- Moyinoluwa Onaolapo (FUTA)
- Abiodun Kolapo (UNIOSUN) – all from Ibadan.
From Ibarapa zone:
- Rofiat Adeleke (LASU)
- Abiodun Okunlola (UNIOSUN)
- Ayomide Oyeyemi (UI)
- Silas Adejumo (UI)
Parents and community leaders hailed the programme for rekindling hope and building a new generation of achievers across Oyo South Senatorial District.
