The Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation (BBBF) has awarded scholarships to 877 students and undergraduates across Kwara State. Since its inception ten years ago, the foundation has supported about 3,381 beneficiaries through its annual scholarship programme.
Founder of the foundation, Adebayo Babalola, said the initiative was established to empower indigent students, reduce educational inequality, and nurture young leaders, particularly within the Kwara South Senatorial District.
According to a breakdown, 103 beneficiaries are in Junior Secondary School Three (JSS3), 140 in Senior Secondary classes, 338 are other secondary school students, while 296 are undergraduates.
The scholarships for JSS3 and SS3 students cover examination fees and other school charges, while undergraduates receive support for tuition and related expenses.
Babalola expressed concern that despite huge allocations to education, Nigeria still ranks among countries with the highest number of out-of-school children—about 18.3 million. He called for urgent and collective action from stakeholders to reverse the trend.
“These children pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s development and security. Many of them, including graduates who remain unemployed, often turn to crime to survive,” he said.
The philanthropist lamented that the growing number of out-of-school children continues to deprive the nation of quality manpower needed for growth and development.
He identified poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of access to learning materials as major challenges facing the education sector, worsened by unemployment and poverty.
“With the unemployment rate standing at over 33 per cent, and youth unemployment even higher, the implications for our economy and society are severe,” he noted.
Babalola added that through the scholarship scheme, the foundation aims to ease the financial burdens on families while helping young people reach their full potential.
He urged the Kwara State Government to invest more in education by improving learning conditions, motivating teachers, and enhancing school security.
“As we celebrate this milestone, I urge us all to reflect on the broader issues affecting our nation—unemployment, poverty, and educational inequality,” he said. “We must work together to harness the creativity and energy of our youth for national progress.”
Co-founder, Mrs. Christiana Babalola, expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the initiative for a decade despite economic challenges. She urged beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity, stressing that the award symbolises not only academic excellence but also their potential to make a positive impact in society.
Community Leaders, Beneficiaries Laud Initiative
Traditional rulers, parents, and beneficiaries have commended the foundation for its continuous investment in education and community development.
Speaking at the award ceremony held at Omu-Aran City Hall, Irepodun Local Government Area, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Akolade Oloyede, praised the foundation for transforming lives through education.
“When a child finds help, it changes the story of that family. This foundation has illuminated many homes,” the monarch said.
Similarly, the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, Oba Solomon Oluwagbemiga Oloyede, described the initiative as a model for community-driven educatiobnal empowerment, while the National President of the Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), Omoniyi Adeyeye, urged other wealthy indigenes to emulate the Babalolas’ example.
Beneficiaries and parents also expressed gratitude for the initiative.
Azeez Ayoola, one of the recipients, described the scholarship as a huge relief amid current economic hardship.
Another beneficiary, Ibrahim Abdulmumin from Baruteen Local Government, said the scheme’s extension to his area shows the foundation’s commitment to inclusiveness.
Mrs. Rachael Mopelola, a parent, said the scholarship had lifted a heavy financial burden from her family.
Chairman of the BBBF Organising Committee, Elder Ajiboye, noted that the foundation has prevented many students from abandoning their education due to financial constraints.
Other beneficiaries, including Alabi Eyitayo Ifeoluwa, Olanrewaju Geisler, and Asaolu Praise Oluwatobi, expressed appreciation for the life-changing opportunity.
Oluwatobi, a final-year Architecture student at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, said:
“Your generosity has given me a sense of purpose and motivation to develop myself and impact society positively.”
President of the Nigerian Students Union in Pakistan and former President of the Omu-Aran Students’ Union, Akanbi Abdulmutakeem Idowu, described the initiative as “a beacon of hope and a strong pillar of support for many students.”
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
