Smiles and applause filled the hall of Femi Gbajabiamila Junior and Senior Secondary School, Itire-Ikate, as the Ajayi Foundation awarded scholarships to selected students, easing the burden of education for families in the community.
The presentation ceremony drew students, teachers, school administrators and local council representatives, as beneficiaries received dummy cheques before their peers — a moment that turned hope into something visible.
Speaking at the event, the team lead of the Ajayi Foundation, Mrs Aminat Ajayi, said the scholarship was born out of a desire to give back and support indigenous students within the council area.
According to her, education remains one of the most powerful ways to change lives and strengthen communities.
Mrs Ajayi shared personal experiences that inspired the initiative, stressing the importance of returning to one’s roots and investing in the schools that shaped one’s journey.
She appealed to Nigerians in the diaspora to support their former schools, noting that even small contributions could make a lasting impact.
“Even if it is just a little, it goes a long way. Little drops of water make a mighty ocean,” she said, adding that collective effort was key to raising future leaders.
She expressed pride that her children had embraced the values of service and community support, describing education as an investment in the nation’s future.
Representing the council chairman, Mr Femi Oduayo, the Chief of Staff, Mr Lawal Afeez, commended the Ajayi Foundation for the gesture and urged other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate it.
“The children are the leaders of tomorrow, and education is key to their success,” Afeez said, describing the initiative as a strong example of giving back to society.
The beneficiaries, visibly excited, expressed gratitude to the foundation and the local council authority.
One of them, Mubarak Olaitan, said the scholarship had brought joy and renewed hope.
“I’m very happy. I pray God bless them more so they can continue to help others,” he said.
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.
