Hon. Wole Oke has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to education by expanding his scholarship programme to benefit over 1,000 students across technical colleges in Osun State. This initiative, aimed at helping underprivileged youths gain valuable technical skills, aligns with the vision of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration and underscores a deeper mission to industrialise the state through practical education.
According to a statement from his media office, more than 300 new students were recently added to the scholarship programme. The funds—nearly Ten Million Naira—were disbursed to cover enrolment and tuition fees for Year 1 students in nine technical colleges, including those in Osogbo, Ara, Otan, Gbongan, Ile-Ife, Inisa, Osu, Iwo, and Ijebu-Jesa. At Ijeda-Ijebu-Jesa Technical College, the support extended to both Year 1 and Year 2 students.
But this initiative goes beyond financial assistance. It also includes mentorship, with a focus on building self-reliance, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting a culture of giving back to society. Teachers and principals have applauded the impact, noting that the programme has significantly boosted enrolment and renewed interest in technical education across the state.
The real power of the programme, however, shines through in the voices of the students themselves. Adebayo Joshua Oluwanifemi, class captain at Government Technical College, Ara, shared his heartfelt appreciation. Izu Emmanuel, a student in Ile-Ife, spoke on behalf of his peers, offering prayers for Hon. Oke’s kindness.
Obasi Ada, a student from Cross River State in the Textile Department at Gbongan GTC, said she wouldn’t have had a chance at education without the scholarship. One emotional testimony came from a girl in Osogbo who, in tears, shared how the initiative took her off the streets—where she was selling sachet water—and brought hope to her family.
Hon. Wole Oke explained the broader vision behind his mission:
“We must begin the industrialisation of our country through the education we provide for our children. Industrialised nations do not have the manpower and intelligence that Nigeria is blessed with. We must start from our state.”
He added:
“We are determined to lead a silent revolution in the country, starting with our state, Osun, by promoting technical education and skill acquisition, an often-overlooked area in the national academic curriculum. Our efforts are focused on empowering young people with practical skills, making them more employable and self-sufficient.”
With a target of reaching 2,000 students, Hon. Oke’s team continues to roll out support. This number doesn’t even include the many who have already graduated from the Ijeda-Ijebu-Jesa centre over the past five years.
Omolebi-Sunday Segun Tunde, who led the evaluation team across the state, visited the various schools and delivered motivational messages from Hon. Oke, urging students to take full advantage of the golden opportunity they’ve been given.
“The sense of giving back to humanity is being sown into your hearts,” he noted, highlighting Hon. Oke’s intention to inspire a ripple effect of generosity and community service.
Hon. Mercy Ayodele, the Constituency Manager from Obokun LGA, encouraged the students to make the most of the scholarship and succeed in a world that needs people with practical, 21st-century skills. Dr. Festus Karounwi also urged them to avoid distractions and stay focused on building a brighter future for themselves.
The impact of this programme has rippled across the state, drawing praise from individuals, communities, and institutions alike. The Ara National Students Association (ANSA) expressed their deep gratitude in an official communiqué, applauding Hon. Oke’s commitment to changing lives through education.
Representing His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Olubayo Adesola Windapo, Alara of Ara, Adams Oladayo also conveyed the monarch’s appreciation for Hon. Oke’s transformative efforts in supporting the community’s educational goals.
Hon. Wole Oke’s initiative continues to uplift lives, bridge opportunity gaps, and lay the foundation for a future built on skills, knowledge, and purpose. In the eyes of many, he’s not just funding education—he’s building a new generation of empowered, self-reliant Nigerians.
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