Governor Ademola Adeleke has commended Hon. Bamidele Salam, member representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency for investing in the education of young people, describing the initiative as a true example of leadership that prioritises the future.
The beneficiaries included the Federation of Ede Land Students Union (FESU) who received N10 million, the Federation of Egbedore Local Government Students Association (FELGSA) received N5 million, the Ejigbo Local Government Students Association (ELGASA) received N5 million, and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) received N5 million each per local government.
Speaking at the distribution of bursaries and school materials on Tuesday at the NYSC orientation camp in Ede, Governor Adeleke reiterated that his administration in Osun State is committed to supporting education at all levels.
“Our administration in Osun State is committed to supporting education at all levels. We are improving schools, supporting teachers and expanding opportunities for learning. But government cannot do this alone. That is why we value efforts like this to complement what we are doing and bring greater impact,” Adeleke said.
He, however urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity by studying hard, staying focused, and honouring the sacrifices of their parents, teachers and leaders.
Speaking with journalists, the facilitator of the initiative, explained that part of his 2025 budget allocation was devoted to supporting student communities in response to the economic hardships many families are experiencing.
“Because of the current situation of things, we discovered that most of our students are passing through very difficult times. As small as a school bag is, you will realise its importance when you see pupils in rural communities going to school with sacks”, Rep Salam said.
According to him, the intervention provided more than 1,500 bursaries and 2,000 school bags and other learning materials, benefitting between 3,000 to 4,000 students across the four local governments.
Representing the Director General of the National Teachers’ Institute, Professor Sa’adiyya Sani Daura, a staff member of the Institute, Mr. Aminu Musa, conveyed the Institute’s full support for the programme.
He said NTI was proud to coordinate the intervention and would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to provide Nigerian teachers with the necessary training and resources.
“We at the National Teachers’ Institute are pleased to coordinate this programme. We assure you that we will continue to partner to provide Nigeria’s teachers with the necessary skills needed to improve their job and performance, in accordance with our mandate in teaching and learning,” he stated.
He also commended Rep. Bamidele Salam for making teaching and learning a priority, reiterating that no nation can rise above the standard of its education system.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Akintayo Jimoh, in his words reiterated that the bursaries and grants were designed to ease burden and ensure that education remains accessible despite the tough times.
He confirmed that bursaries would be disbursed to over 1,500 students, with grants allocated to the Nigeria Union of Teachers and various student associations.
Jimoh proudly disclosed that the initiative was sponsored by the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna.
“Our target is to support the parents of these students who are going through difficult times. This is just to reduce the burden on them, at least to an extent”, he added.
Media aide to Rep Salam, Oladele Bamiji, explained that the selection process was conducted in partnership with student bodies.
“Applicants were shortlisted online, screened effectively and verified as genuine students. This is not the first time such an initiative is happening, but this one is bigger,” he added.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with Sahel Standard expressed gratitude for the support.
“Some of us face difficulty getting writing materials. Some use sacks to carry books, while others don’t even have books to write in,I appreciate this representative and I’m so glad to be here. The sky is his starting point”, said Babalola Aliyat.
Another student, Solomon Dabira, added “We really appreciate him for what he has done. He just built us a school, and now he’s giving us necessary materials again. We appreciate his love towards us.”
