By Adeyinka Adeniran
Ten indigent students of Wesley College of Science, Elekuro, Ibadan, Oyo State on Thursday, were presented a cheque of N3.5 million to cover their boarding fees for the new academic session.
The donation made by the 1995 Alumni set (WESCOSA ’95) saw five syudebts each from the Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2) and SS3 classes.
The donation, according to the donor Set targeted students whose families have been unable to meet up with boarding payments.
The beneficiaries include Alawusa Alimo, Olubudo Goodluck, Gbeminiyi Okikiola, Alabi Eniola, and Sarajudeen Olamide in SS2, as well as Amoo Testimony, Onaolapo Micheal, Babalola Mercy, Oyefeso Olaoluwa, and Tijani Rodiat in SS3.
Speaking at the event, the President of WESCOSA ’95, Mrs. Olanike Mustapha said the intervention was part of activities to mark 30 years since the set graduated from the school.
“We wanted to commemorate our anniversary by giving back to the institution that shaped us. During our planning, we learnt that some students were on the verge of dropping out due to unpaid boarding fees, including a boy whose father is blind. That touched our hearts.
“We resolved to pay for ten students, each with annual fees of N350,000, making a total of N3.5 million. It is our way of investing in the future of these children.”
She, therefore, urged other alumni associations to follow suit:
“Many of us enjoyed quality education in this state years ago. Now it’s our turn to ensure today’s students have similar opportunities. The government cannot do it all, alumni must also give back.”
The school’s Principal, Mr. Obanisola Openiyi, commended the 1995 set for their generosity, describing the gesture as timely and impactful.
“This donation will gladden the hearts of families who have struggled for months. Some of the beneficiaries had not resumed because they could not pay. Now, they can return to school with hope.
“What the alumni have done will encourage these students to work hard and excel. Government efforts in recruiting teachers and improving education are commendable, but partnerships like this make a real difference”, he added.
He called on other alumni associations and well-meaning Nigerians to support schools through infrastructure renewal, scholarships, and mentoring.
It was gathered that, one of the beneficiaries, Gbeminiyi Okikiola, had yet to resume school because his father, Mr. Gbeminiyi Odina, who is visually impaired, could not raise the fees.
Fighting back tears, Odina said: “Without paying, my son could not enter the school premises. I had been borrowing money just to keep him in school, and last week I went out again to seek help when the class teacher called me about this support.
“Words cannot explain what this means to us. He is my only son. When I lost my sight, I feared he might never continue his education. This scholarship is the greatest thing that has happened to us since his birth. I told him that when he becomes great, he should also give back the way the ’95 set has done.”
The Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, Mr. Ize Ozoya, explained that the support was carefully targeted, saying, “We wanted to make sure it reached the most vulnerable students. This programme is about dignity, not just money. It will leave a lasting impact on these families.”
Speaking on behalf of the student beneficiaries, Onaolapo Micheal (SS3) expressed gratitude. He said, “We are thankful for this support. It has lifted a heavy burden from our families. We promise to work hard and make the alumni proud,” he assured.
