Kwara govt lauds foundation for educational support

Kwara state government has commended the efforts of philanthropic organisations in the state for their complementary contributions to advancing the state’s education sector.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Tajudeen Olesin Foundation’s free summer lesson programme in Ilorin at the weekend, the Special Adviser to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Alhaji Saadu Salau, commended the initiative, saying that the best investment is in human capital development—education.

He highlighted that the Foundation has supported secondary school students through scholarships and paid JAMB registration fees for many students.

“This is the sixth edition of the Ambassador Tajudeen Olesin Foundation’s free summer lessons. The founder has consistently invested in education, complementing the government’s efforts. As we know, the best investment is in human capital development—education.

Ambassador Olesin has stated on several occasions that his efforts are in support of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s vision for education in Kwara state,” the governor’s aide said.

Salau, who said that education has been the top priority of the Abdulrazaq administration over the past five years, added that the efforts had led to construction, rehabilitation, and remodeling of over 600 schools.

“Kwara students have excelled in national and international competitions, and this reflects the positive outcomes in primary, secondary, and tertiary education”, he added.

Salau called on other well-meaning citizens to emulate Olesin’s dedication, noting that education challenges, such as out-of-school children, have been largely mitigated in the state due to ongoing efforts.

Also speaking, founder of the Tajudeen Olesin Foundation, Ambassador Tajudeen Ibrahim Olesin, recounted the Foundation’s achievements, including scholarships, community development projects, and financial support for petty traders.

He emphasized the importance of education, stating that, “Our Free Summer Lesson Programme has consistently selected high-performing students for scholarships and WAEC/NECO fee payments. We introduced entrepreneurial skills to this year’s edition, empowering students with valuable life skills”.

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including members of the Kwara State House of Assembly, traditional leaders, and educators, all of whom praised the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to the educational sector.

Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, urged students to maximize the knowledge gained during the summer lessons and stressed that the government alone cannot bear the full responsibility of education.