By Esther Onyegbula

Former member of the House of Representatives for Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson, has awarded educational grants of N100,000 each to 14 outstanding pupils from public primary schools across the constituency, fulfilling a pledge to promote academic excellence.

Johnson, who was represented at the presentation ceremony by Aregbesola Ismail Olakunle, said the initiative was designed to encourage diligence among pupils and invest in the future of the constituency.
“On June 5 last year, I made a public commitment to reward excellent and outstanding academic performance among pupils in our primary schools. Today, we are gathered here to fulfil that promise, promise made, promise fulfilled,” he said.

He explained that the beneficiaries were selected based on recommendations from teachers and local education authorities, noting that the process ensured that only the best-performing pupils from participating schools were rewarded.

According to him, the cash grants are aimed at supporting the educational development of the pupils and easing financial burdens on their families.

Johnson added that the initiative forms part of a broader commitment to human capital development, particularly in the education sector.

“This initiative underscores our resolve to encourage excellence and invest in the future of our children. I also want to assure our people that more developmental projects, including youth-focused programmes and road expansion projects, are ongoing to transform our communities,” he stated.

Speaking at the event, the incoming Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Tonade Akinwale, commended Johnson for the gesture, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of the children.
He urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and avoid distractions that could derail their academic ambitions.

“You are here because you have distinguished yourselves among your peers. Many students get distracted, but you stayed focused, and today, the result is evident in your performance,” he said.

Akinwale also charged parents to play more active roles in their children’s upbringing, stressing that education requires a collaborative effort between teachers and parents.

“The teachers have about 30 per cent role, while parents have 70 per cent. You must not leave everything to the teachers. It must be a symbiotic relationship,” he added.

Also speaking, the Education Secretary of Oshodi-Isolo LGA, Mayowa Alakija, described the initiative as highly commendable, noting that its impact goes beyond the financial rewards.

He said the programme has already sparked healthy competition among pupils, teachers and stakeholders within the primary school system, with many students now striving to emerge as top performers in subsequent years.

Alakija, however, urged Johnson to sustain the initiative annually to keep motivating pupils.

“It should not be a one-off programme. Pupils should have something to look forward to, knowing that excellence will be recognised at the end of the year,” he said.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support, describing it as a motivation to excel further in their studies.

One of the pupils, Ogunrinde Akeem of Ansar-ud-Deen Primary School, thanked the former lawmaker for encouraging academic dedication, while another beneficiary, Okoro Igwe Gift Chiziterem of Ire-Akari Estate Model School, said the award had inspired her to work harder.

“I feel excited. I came first in my class, and this has encouraged me to keep working hard and paying attention to my teachers,” she said.

In his remarks, former lawmaker representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, Gbolahan Okuneye, commended the quality of teachers in public schools, noting that they compare favourably with those in many private institutions.

“Many teachers in public schools are highly dedicated. In some cases, the quality of education is even better than what is obtainable in certain private schools,” he said.

Similarly, Chairman of the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Oshodi/Isolo chapter, Salami Raufu Adebare, lauded Johnson’s contributions to the education sector, describing him as a leader committed to the welfare of his constituents.

The event attracted education stakeholders, parents, teachers and community leaders, who praised the initiative as a step towards promoting academic excellence and supporting indigent pupils in public schools.