By Ade Adeloye, Ibadan
Worried by the incessant increase in the number of out of school children in Ibadan, prominent elders in the state under the aegis of Ibadan Foundation have given scholarships to indigent students in post primary and tertiary institutions .
This was disclosed by the President of Ibadan Foundation, Alhaji Tunji Afunlehin at the Scholarship and Merit award ceremony which held at the Kakanfo Inn, off Ring Road, Ibadan.
While calling on other wealthy indigene of the city to emulate Ibadan Foundation by giving scholarships to indigent students in higher institutions, he revealed that no fewer than 50 indigent students were given scholarships to study in Nigerian Polytechnics and Universities.
He said, “the stigmatization of Ibadan indigenes as uneducated has now been wiped off as many indigenes are well read”.
According to Afunlehin, “in the past, they used to say the menial jobs that Ibadan people were known for are meat selling and driving commercial vehicles. But, now there are several well educated Ibadan indigenes.”
“In Ibadan Foundation, we have three projects that we do annually. These are lectures, scholarships, luncheon and merit awards to dignitaries who have excelled in their chosen careers.”
Alhaji Afunlehin commended all people including Mr Adeoye Ayoku Liadi who supported the foundation to offer scholarships to categories of students, artisans and technicians.
Making reference to the comments of the Chairman of Scholarship committee, Mrs Bola Doherty, the priopiaritest r of Bola Immaculate Group of Schools, he said, “the indigent students who benefited from the scholarship awards include 20 University undergraduates, 20 Polytechnic students and secondary School students.”
He said the merit award and scholarship became imperative in order to encourage those who have done well and to check the cases of out-of-school students in the state.
“On the 26th January, 2025, Ibadan Foundation clocked 35 years of active social service operation in the socio-economic and educational empowerment of Ibadan indigenes in particular and all residents of Ibadanland in general.”
“That landmark achievement was marked by the festive events of 2024 edition of the association’s annual luncheon and merit award ceremony to which guests of diverse social standing were invited.”
“To spice up the August occasion, Ibadan Foundation merit awards for meritorious services and contributions to the overall development of Ibadanland were conferred on some eminent personalities comprising top academics, captains of industries and prospective political leaders of tomorrow”.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, announced conferment of awards on the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Mr Adeoye Ayoku Liadi, a resourceful banker and financial management expert, Dr Tunde Raji, Consultant Engineering expert, Engr Tunde Akinyemi, a Civil Engineer and Rngr Akeem Oloyede also , expert in Oil sector and many others.
