No fewer than 17 students from three secondary schools in Ekiti State have received N100,000 each as scholarship awards for their outstanding academic performance, courtesy of philanthropist, Dr Oluwadare Owolabi.
The beneficiaries, drawn from Igogo Commercial High School, Igogo-Ekiti (Moba Local Government Area); Ayede Grammar School, Ayede-Ekiti (Oye LGA); and Odo Oro High School, Odo Oro Ekiti (Ikole LGA), were honoured for excellence in subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agricultural Science, Economics and Mathematics.
Speaking at the 2025 edition of the annual scholarship award ceremony held in Odo Oro Ekiti, Ikole LGA, on Thursday, Owolabi said the initiative was his way of rewarding academic excellence and complementing the education efforts of the Ekiti State Government.
“The scholarship award is a way of giving back to society, especially to the outstanding students, and also a decision to assist and complement the efforts of our governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who has been doing well for us in Ekiti State,” he said.
Owolabi reiterated the need for private individuals and organisations to support the government in funding education, noting that “the government alone cannot fund education because they have too many areas and sectors to attend to.”
He urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and avoid distractions, promising to continue supporting their academic journey in future.
A traditional ruler, the Onise of Odo Oro Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Jemilehin, commended Owolabi for the gesture, describing it as a meaningful investment in the lives of young people.
“This kind of initiative will go a long way in helping these students reach their full potential. I encourage the beneficiaries to stay focused and justify the confidence reposed in them by the donor,” the monarch said.
Also speaking, the principal of Odo Oro High School, Mr Johnson Oladimeji, who represented the heads of the beneficiary schools, hailed the awards as a noble example of community support for education.
“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,” Oladimeji said.
He assured the donor of continued collaboration and a sustained effort to provide a conducive learning environment.
“We welcome your ideas, mentorship and partnership as we build a brighter future together,” he added.
