By Elizabeth Osayande

The Great Ife Alumni Association, Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) Branch, USA, recently held its third Dallas Scholars Award Ceremony at the Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, awarding 104 scholarships worth N20.8 million to outstanding students of the institution.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, ahead of the event, President of the DFW Branch, Mr. Dolapo Ajayi, said the initiative was designed to reward academic excellence and ease the financial burden on deserving students.

According to Ajayi, each beneficiary received N200,000 as a non-refundable monetary grant, aimed at supporting essential needs such as tuition and accommodation, thereby allowing students to focus fully on their studies.

“This scholarship is not a loan. It is our way of supporting students who have demonstrated excellence and resilience, so they are not distracted by financial challenges,” he said.

Ajayi explained that the Dallas Scholars Initiative began in 2024 with 52 awardees, was expanded to 104 beneficiaries in 2025, and has been sustained at the same level in 2026. 

He noted that the programme is structured to support students throughout their academic stay, provided they continue to meet the required criteria.

Of the 104 scholarships awarded this year, 80 were renewed for existing scholars, while 24 new students were admitted into the programme following the graduation of some earlier beneficiaries.

He further disclosed that the selection process is handled solely by the association’s Scholarship Award Team Leaders including Mrs Bunmi Adejuyigbe as head of internet and Mr Tokunbo Adejuyigbe as head of planning committee. He noted that the committee is independent of the university administration.

“We receive thousands of applications every year. Applicants submit a statement of purpose, academic records including CGPA, résumé, and other supporting documents,” Ajayi said.

The process is rigorous, competitive, and objective, and we even leverage technology, including AI, to ensure fairness,” Ajayi added.

On her part, the Acting Director of the Advancement Office, OAU, Dr (Mrs) Adeduntan Segun-Olasanmi described the initiative as a reflection of the alumni’s enduring commitment to their alma mater.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor commended the alumni for their generosity, describing the scholarship as a major contributor to students’ academic stability and performance.

“The relief provided by this scholarship allows students to concentrate fully on their studies.

We can clearly see the connection between financial support and academic excellence,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

One of the beneficiaries, Miracle Oyetoro, a student of the Faculty of Agriculture, described the scholarship as a turning point in her academic and personal journey.