In the spirit of giving back to the system that nurtured him, a philanthropist, Dr. Oluwadare Owolabi, on Thursday awarded scholarships to 17 secondary school students in his Ekiti North Senatorial District of Ekiti State.
Owolabi, who explained that the gesture would go a long way to encourage the selected students and add value to the educational development in the state, canvassed private sector involvement in education for greater impact as the government cannot fund it alone.
Giving the modalities for selecting the beneficiaries, Owolabi, said the annual scholarship of N100,000 each was awarded to outstanding students in critical subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Agricultural Science, Economics and Mathematics in three different schools.
The affected schools are: Igogo Commercial High School, Igogo-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area (LGA), Ayede Grammar School, Ayede-Ekiti, in Oye LGA, and Odo Oro High School, Odo Oro Ekiti in Ikole LGA.
The philanthropist posited that until the private sector began to show interest in education, the burden would rest only on the government which is already saddled with other responsibilities and services.
He further stated that the gesture was his own way of assisting the students, especially the indigent, in pursuing their education without any form of hindrance.
Commending the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji for his deliberate efforts and investments in improving the standard of education in the state, Owolabi noted that the scholarship scheme would complement what the government was doing.
He insisted that funding of education should not be left alone for the government, saying that individuals and groups must play their parts in a bid to sustain the educational status of Ekiti State.
The donor advised 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 full potentials.
According to Owolabi, “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 will 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 shoes 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.”
Owolabi promised to follow up with the beneficiaries on their journey in a bid to offer more support in the future.
In his remarks, the Onise of Odo Oro Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Jemilehin Aladesodedero I, commended the philanthropic gesture of the donor, noting that the investment would in no small measure help the students attain their potential.
He urged the beneficiaries and the entire students in the three schools to remain focused on their education 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.
Oladimeji said, “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”.
The principal assured Owolabi that the school would remain committed to providing a conducive learning environment for students to thrive, adding, “we welcome your ideas, mentorship and partnership as we build a brighter future together.”