By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Chairman of the Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Scholarship Board, Prof. Tope Popoola, has reaffirmed Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola’s commitment to expanding access to quality education as the lawmaker presented scholarships and bursaries to 5,513 students in the third edition of the educational support programme.
Speaking on Sunday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital at the scholarship and bursary presentation ceremony, Prof. Popoola described the initiative as a fulfillment of Senator Adeola’s campaign promise and a key component of his seven-point development agenda since assuming office as the senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District in 2023.
Welcoming guests, students, traditional rulers and community leaders, Prof. Popoola, on behalf of Senator Adeola—popularly known as Yayi—expressed appreciation to supporters and stakeholders who have sustained the programme over the years.
He noted that the senator’s empowerment initiatives have continued to earn widespread commendation across Ogun State, with the scholarship and bursary scheme providing much-needed financial relief to thousands of students and their families.
According to him, the programme has witnessed steady growth since its inception.
“In the first year, over 1,900 prospective beneficiaries applied, with 1,726 qualifying for the awards. In the second edition, the scheme was expanded beyond Ogun West to accommodate students from Ogun Central and Ogun East, resulting in 4,189 beneficiaries,” he said.
Prof. Popoola disclosed that 3,706 students were initially approved for bursary awards this year, while 1,735 students qualified for scholarships, bringing the total to 5,441 beneficiaries. However, following the review of complaints from applicants whose online submissions were initially incomplete, an additional 71 bursary applications were approved.
“This brings the total number of beneficiaries for this year’s edition to 5,513 students,” he announced.
Under the scheme, bursary recipients will receive ₦100,000, while scholarship beneficiaries in polytechnics and universities will receive ₦150,000 and ₦200,000, respectively.
Prof. Popoola also revealed that the scholarship board received applications from several states outside Ogun, including Ondo, Edo, and Abia, describing the development as evidence of the programme’s growing popularity and credibility.
He, however, warned against fraudulent practices during the application process, stressing that the board maintained a transparent and rigorous screening exercise.
“Applicants found to have submitted false information or engaged in any form of malpractice were disqualified. We can assure the public that the board conducted a diligent and credible selection process,” he said.
Looking ahead, Prof. Popoola expressed optimism that the initiative would evolve into a state-wide scholarship and bursary programme for Ogun State, with future editions potentially extending support to postgraduate students.
He said the continued investment in education reflects Senator Adeola’s vision of empowering young people and promoting sustainable development through human capital development.
