Those to benefit from this gesture are students of tertiary institutions across the country who are indigenes of Ogun West Senatorial District.
The Board Chairman of Yayi Scholarship Scheme, Prof. Tope Popoola, while speaking during the inauguration held at Ilaro area of the state said the scholarship was aimed at allowing indigent students to acquire quality education.
Popoola said the scholarship scheme is in addition to various intervention programmes of Adeola in the education sector.
He listed some of the intervention programmes to include: the donation of laptop computers to 1,000 students and teachers, facilitation of ICT training for 1,000 students and teachers, donation of school bags and textbooks and payment of WAEC fees of disadvantaged students.
According to him, while the first phase of the scholarship scheme is targeted at helping brilliant undergraduate students through payment of their school fees and other expenses, the second phase is aimed at sponsoring students abroad for their postgraduate studies.
Popular said, “In fulfilment of his campaign promise, Senator Olamilekan Adeola proposed to support indigent students of the district in the pursuit of their educational endeavours by awarding scholarships to deserving students.
“During the campaign, he (Adeola) promised to expand and formalise Yayi scholarship and bursary scheme to touch not less than 1,000 students in four years.
“The scholarship scheme will initially serve as a substantial support measure for indigent but brilliant students from the district. The first phase is intended to benefit registered students in NUC/NBTE /NCCE-approved public tertiary institutions.
“The subsequent phase could be extended to full studies (PG /specialisation) for training programmes overseas for students considered worthy of such sponsorship.
“The scheme shall cover ALL approved programmes accredited by the supervisory agencies. Therefore, students undertaking professional, non-professional, single honours courses could benefit from the scheme.
“Qualified candidates must be children or wards of people from Ogun West, they must be in public tertiary institutions, they must show evidence of residency of a Local government within the Senatorial district”.
In his remarks, the board secretary, Dapo Oke assured that the scheme would be transparent, while special consideration would be given to students with disabilities.
He said the scholarship is to encourage the use of education as a tool for development in the district.
