The Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation has awarded scholarships to 877 students and undergraduates across Kwara South Senatorial District to mark the 10th edition of its annual scholarship programme.
The event, held at the Omu-Aran City Hall in Irepodun Local Government Area, marked a decade of consistent support for education by the foundation, which has now sponsored a total of 3,381 pupils and students since inception.
Addressing the gathering, Co-founder of the Foundation, Engineer Pastor Sunday Adebayo Babalola said the scholarship scheme was designed to empower students, reduce educational inequality, and build young leaders for a better society.
He described education as the foundation of national development, noting that investment in young people remains one of the most effective ways to address poverty and unemployment.
According to him, this year’s beneficiaries include 103 junior secondary pupils, 104 senior secondary students, 338 other secondary students, and 296 undergraduates from tertiary institutions.
The philanthropist, who is also a former Deputy Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), lamented the high number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, citing UNESCO’s data that places the country among those with the highest figure globally.
Babalola identified poverty, insecurity, poor infrastructure, and cultural barriers as major factors hindering access to quality education.
He therefore urged the Kwara State Government to invest more in the education sector and ensure teachers are well-motivated and adequately remunerated.
The foundation’s co-founder, Mrs. Christiana Bunmi Babalola expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the programme for a decade despite economic challenges.
She appreciated her husband, the organising committee, and donors for their continued commitment to supporting young people through education.
In his goodwill message, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti Akolade Agboluaje II commended the Babalola Foundation for its dedication to educational development, describing it as a noble example of community service.
Similarly, the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, Oba Solomon Oluwagbemiga Oloyede, lauded the initiative, saying it represents a model for community-driven empowerment that should be emulated across the state.
Also speaking, the National President of the Omu-Aran Development Association Mr. Omoniyi Adeyeye, urged other wealthy individuals to emulate the Babalolas by contributing to the educational advancement of their communities.
Some beneficiaries who spoke with Radio Nigeria expressed gratitude to the foundation, describing the gesture as a huge relief amid current economic challenges.
A tertiary beneficiary, Azeez Ayoola, said the scholarship will help many students concentrate on their studies without worrying about tuition fees, while another recipient, Ibrahim Abdulmumin from Baruteen, thanked the foundation for extending the gesture to distant parts of Kwara South.
A parent, Mrs. Rachael Babatunde Mopelola, whose daughter benefited from the scholarship, described the initiative as a blessing, saying it has lifted a huge financial burden off many families.
The event also featured goodwill messages from community leaders, including the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Elder Ajiboye, and the Managing Director of Olomu Aperan Microfinance Bank, who described the foundation as a “beacon of hope” for the less privileged.
The ceremony ended with prayers and songs of appreciation as the foundation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting access to education and empowering more students across Kwara South Senatorial District.
