In a landmark initiative aimed at fostering technical education and self-reliance among young Nigerians, The Lawmaker representing Obokun Oriade Federal Constituency, Honourable Busayo Oluwole Oke has enrolled 880 students across nine technical colleges in Osun State under his scholarship programme.
This brings the total number of beneficiaries of his educational support scheme to over 1,000 students statewide.
This is contained in a release issued by the media office of the Lawmaker.
The latest expansion of the scholarship scheme follows a week-long assessment by the Quality Assurance Team from Hon. Oke’s Constituency Office.
Nearly Ten Million Naira was disbursed to cover school levies, enrolment fees, and tuition for Year 1 and Year 2 students at Government Technical Colleges in Osogbo, Ara, Otan, Gbongan, Ile-Ife, Inisa, Osu, Iwo, and Ijebu-Jesa while Special consideration was also given to Ijeda-Ijebu-Jesa Technical College, covering both fresh and returning students.
The initiative, which goes beyond financial aid, is designed to mentor students, equip them with job-creating skills, and encourage community service.
The programme has received widespread commendations with students, teachers, and community leaders praising its transformative impact on technical education in Osun State.
Adebayo Joshua Oluwanifemi, a class captain at Government Technical College, Ara, expressed deep gratitude, while Izu Emmanuel of Ile-Ife GTC thanked Hon. Oke for his generosity.
Obasi Ada, a Textile Department student at Gbongan GTC, originally from Cross River State, revealed that without the scholarship, her parents could not afford her education.
Another student in Osogbo GTC emotionally recounted how the programme lifted her from street hawking to schooling, bringing immense relief to her family.
Speaking on the initiative, Hon. Oke emphasised the need for technical education as a foundation for industrialisation in Nigeria.
He said “Countries that have advanced industrially focus on technical education. We must equip our youth with the right skills to make them self-sufficient and employable. Our goal is to sponsor 2,000 students and create a new wave of entrepreneurs and skilled workers in Osun State,” he said.
Mr Omolebi-Sunday Segun Tunde, who led the scholarship verification team, urged beneficiaries to seize the opportunity and use their skills to become future job creators.
Constituency Manager Hon. Mercy Ayodele challenged students to excel, while Dr. Festus Karounwi encouraged them to shun vices that could derail their academic goals.
The initiative has drawn gratitude and appreciation from various quarters, including the Ara National Students Association (ANSA) and the Alara of Ara, Oba (Dr) Olubayo Adesola Windapo, who praised Hon. Oke for his selfless service to education.
In a communique, ANSA leaders Ajayi Victor Ayomide and Fayemi Adewale Clement lauded the lawmaker’s commitment to youth empowerment through technical and vocational education.
This brings the total beneficiaries of his scholarship program to over 1,000, reinforcing his commitment to supporting indigent students and advancing education in line with Governor Ademola Adeleke’s vision for Osun State.
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