Abiodun’s family awards over ₦100m scholarships to 831 indigent Ogun students
The family of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has awarded scholarships valued at over ₦100 million to 831 indigent learners across primary, secondary, technical, and tertiary levels, under the Gbemiga Abiodun Memorial Education Support Programme.
Announcing the awards at the programme’s third edition, held at Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu, Abiodun revealed that the initiative has supported 1,277 students since it launched in 2023. The scheme, established in memory of his late son, Gbemiga Abiodun, is designed to sustain his passion for uplifting others and to ensure financial hardship does not block students from accessing education.
Targeted support across education tiers
For the 2025/2026 award year, beneficiaries were chosen from roughly 3,000 applications submitted via the programme’s online portal. The latest cohort spans primary and secondary pupils, technical college trainees, and undergraduates—reflecting the scheme’s goal of widening access and easing the burden on disadvantaged families.
At the tertiary level, 150 new students joined the scheme, alongside 124 continuing beneficiaries, bringing total support at this tier to 274 students. A further 80 Senior Secondary School students preparing for external examinations will receive assistance for UTME and SSCE registration, complemented by remote revision and practice sessions through the LEARN MORE WhatsApp platform.
The programme will also sustain engagement with beneficiaries and their parents, providing ongoing guidance throughout the students’ academic journeys to help them stay on track and thrive.
From Remo axis to nine LGAs in Ogun East
Initially focused on the Remo axis, the scholarship scheme has expanded to all nine local government areas in Ogun East Senatorial District, following its early impact and growing demand. The broader coverage is intended to reach more hard-to-access communities and reduce dropout risks linked to economic pressures.
Skills-first pathway: vocational tools and entrepreneurship
Highlighting the scheme’s practical focus, the governor noted the vocational education component introduced in 2025. Beneficiaries in technical colleges received ₦120,000 each to purchase essential training tools and equipment. Several have already begun applying their skills—taking on paid assignments and building early work experience—showcasing vocational education’s potential to unlock self-reliance and income streams.
To further strengthen employability and business readiness, the programme will support 20 selected beneficiaries with business development training and mentorship, alongside start-up grants of up to ₦250,000 each. The aim is to help transition skilled trainees into sustainable micro-enterprises that can grow with local demand.
Digital pipeline: from software to cybersecurity
Looking ahead to emerging opportunities, 30 selected students from tertiary institutions will enroll in a digital skills development track covering digital marketing, software development, data and analytics, cybersecurity, and UI/UX design. For a state economy increasingly plugged into Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, these competencies can position students for in-demand roles while building resilience against a shifting job market.
Calls for partnership and testimonies of impact
Governor Abiodun urged well-meaning individuals and organisations to back efforts that remove financial barriers to schooling for vulnerable families. He also encouraged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity and remain disciplined in their studies.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, commended the initiative for targeting academically promising students who face financial constraints, stressing that consistency and focus would help them achieve their aspirations.
Lamisa Abiodun, sister to the late Gbemiga Abiodun, congratulated recipients and particularly encouraged technical college students to take their training seriously and translate their new skills into productive livelihoods.
Representatives from educational institutions and several beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Abiodun family, noting that the programme will significantly ease the burden on parents and guardians while keeping students in school.
Programme coordinator, Rev. Bola Oyeledun, described how a family’s response to personal loss evolved into a lifeline for students who might otherwise be priced out of quality education. He reiterated that the scheme, once limited to the Remo axis, now serves all nine local government areas in Ogun East, reflecting its expanding scope and relevance.
Abiodun reaffirmed the family’s commitment to sustain and scale the programme in the years ahead—both to honour Gbemiga’s legacy of compassion and to ensure that talent, not income level, determines a young person’s educational journey in Ogun State.
