• Distributes cheques to 29 students

Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

OSOGBO – The Vice Chancellor, Osun State University, Uniosun, Professor Clement Adebooye, has urged scholarship donors to extend the opportunity to brilliant non-indigene but indigent students of the institution.

Speaking at the presentation of cheques to 29 brilliant Osun State indigenous students of the University on Wednesday, he said scholarships help students through academic barriers to achieve success.

The scholarships which is in four categories, the Vice-Chancellor added, was sponsored by four donors, including Osun Development Forum, Texas, USA, which donated N1.8million to 18 students, Engr. Sunday Olowu, who donated N1million to ten students, Egbado College Old students Association, which donated N945,000 to a student who lost his father and Clean Heart Nexus which donated N200,000 to a student as well.

Professor Adebooye described scholarships as a better alternative to student loans because it does not required to paid back.

While stating that scholarships promote access and equity as they give academically talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to access higher education, Adebooye added that scholarships enhance students’ academic performance and success, as they enable students to focus on their studies, having been freed from the pressure of financial worries.

He said: “Scholarships help to reduce drop-out rates as they help students stay in school and complete their programmes on time. Scholarships help in fostering human capital development and national progress as they enable more individuals to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to various sectors of the Nigerian economy. Scholarships are also a better alternative to student loans since they do not require payback.

“There are thousands of students who are exceptionally diligent but, very unfortunately, indigent. Such students need helpers from us as individuals, associations, and organisations.

“I want to seize this golden opportunity to thank all members of the two great associations, as I invite more associations, organisations, and well-spirited individuals to do more for our students.

“And to the beneficiaries of today, to whom much is given, so much is expected. You must ensure that your studies do not suffer and that you continue to put in your best to justify the support you get today. You must set academic and career targets for yourselves, and you must start cultivating the spirit of giving back to the society through such philanthropic gestures as this when you eventually become gainfully employed and economically independent,” Adebooye said.

The Chairman, Osun Development Forum, Texas, Mr Kazeem Adetunji, said: “Our investment in education is an investment in the future of Osun State. We have been doing this since 2021, and we have vowed to contribute meaningfully to Osun’s development in many ways.”