In a groundbreaking move to encourage academic excellence, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has announced a N1 million scholarship for the best student in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) in the state. The scholarship, which will be awarded annually, aims to celebrate outstanding academic performance and motivate students across the state to aim for greater heights.
In his announcement, Governor Adeleke explained that the initiative, called the “Imole Statewide Public and Private Schools Students SSCE Scholarship,” is designed to recognize and reward exceptional students in all 30 local government areas of Osun. It will cover both public and private schools, ensuring that top performers from every corner of the state are acknowledged.
“This scholarship is not just about awarding money; it is about acknowledging hard work, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. We are creating an environment where excellence in education is the standard, and our students are motivated to break barriers,” Governor Adeleke remarked during the official announcement on Tuesday.
The scholarship program is a joint effort between the state government and the Electronic Collections Group (ECG), a corporate partner committed to educational development in Nigeria. According to the state’s Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dipo Eluwole, the rewards will not stop at the student level. “Beyond the N1 million for the overall best student, each local government will also have an award for the top student in both public and private schools. These local awards will be worth N100,000 each,” Eluwole explained in a statement to the media.
In addition to rewarding students, the initiative will benefit schools and teachers. The best-performing public and private schools in each local government area will each receive N500,000 as an educational support fund. This fund is intended to enhance their academic programs and ensure that the schools continue to foster an environment conducive to learning.
“We understand that it takes more than just the students to achieve success,” said Eluwole. “That is why we are also rewarding the educators who nurture these students. Teachers in the best-performing schools will be recognized with special gifts as a token of appreciation for their hard work.”
The scholarship program is expected to launch in full force after the release of the 2025 West African Examination Council (WAEC) SSCE results. Eluwole urged teachers and school administrators across the state to begin preparations for the exams to ensure that their students perform at their best.
“Education is the bedrock of any nation’s progress, and Osun State is committed to creating a sustainable system where students can thrive academically,” Eluwole continued. “We want to see more students from Osun competing at national and international levels, and this scholarship is a step in the right direction.”
This scholarship announcement follows a series of efforts by the Adeleke administration to improve educational standards in the state. Governor Adeleke’s policies focus on improving infrastructure, providing free education at the primary and secondary school levels, and ensuring that teachers are well-equipped to deliver quality education.
A Commitment to Youth Empowerment
For Osun’s youth, the scholarship program could be a game-changer. It offers more than just financial reward – it symbolizes the state’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders. Many students have already expressed excitement about the new scholarship, seeing it as a way to validate their hard work.
“I’ve always wanted to be a top student, and now, with this scholarship, I feel more motivated than ever to put in my best effort for the upcoming exams,” said Oluwaseun, a final-year student at Osogbo Secondary School. “A N1 million reward is no small feat, and it gives me the drive to push myself further in my studies.”
The Imole Statewide scholarship also comes at a time when many parents and guardians are seeking ways to make education more affordable. The cost of textbooks, extracurricular activities, and examinations can be overwhelming, and many students find it difficult to continue their studies due to financial constraints. This scholarship is expected to ease some of those burdens for both students and their families.
“I am very grateful to the state government for this initiative,” said Mrs. Adeola Akinbile, a parent of a student preparing for the SSCE. “It’s an incredible opportunity for my child to not only be recognized for his academic achievements but also to receive financial support that can help with further studies.”
The Broader Impact of Educational Investments
Governor Adeleke’s recent announcement emphasizes the significance of investing in education as a tool for social and economic progress. By rewarding academic excellence, the state is signaling its intent to foster a generation of students who can excel not only in Nigeria but also on the global stage. Education experts believe that this initiative could also have a ripple effect on the broader education landscape in Nigeria. “The Imole scholarship could serve as a model for other states,” said Dr. Chidi Nwachukwu, an educational consultant. “It sets a standard for the way education should be treated – with recognition, support, and incentives for students, schools, and teachers alike. If replicated across the country, it could lead to a significant improvement in educational outcomes.”
