In an effort to ensure a better society for all and sundry, irrespective of their social status, a non governmental organization, Tola Adebajo Foundation has rewarded academic excellence with scholarship, cash awards as well as exercise books and other educational materials to outstanding students at its just concluded 3rd edition of free holiday coaching class at Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu North Local North Area of Ogun State
The closing ceremony of the four- week free summer coaching class held at Saint James Anglican Primary School Hall in Atikori, Ijebu-Igbo, saw Odupitan Olubunmi a Senior Girl of Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar who recorded distinction grade in her Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, being rewarded with scholarship award and cash prize of N100,000 by the foundation to study as one of the pioneer set of students at the Federal University Of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMSA)
TAF also rewarded overall best student at the free holiday coaching class, Sani Nosirudeen of the famous, Molusi College, Ijebu-Igbo who got a cash prize of N50,000 and Osineye Odunayo of Ijebu-Ode Girls Grammar School who emerged overall best student in the Junior Secondary category receiving a cash prize of N25,000 plus other educational materials while other outstanding students in various classes at the senior and junior secondary schools were also rewarded with various gifts
Convener of TAF, Prince Tola Adebajo says the foundation as a non-governmental, non-profit making organization is committed to give back to society and create a legacy of service and impact among kinsmen and the larger community.
The Convener represented by Mr. Dapo Davies , revealed that the foundation had directly supported over 500 indigent students in public schools by providing uniforms, writing materials, and financial support at the beginning of every academic session.
“More ambitiously, the foundation has set a target of reaching 5,000 vulnerable and indigent children annually, putting smiles on the faces of students and parents alike through various empowerment initiatives, because no child should be denied the dignity of education simply by reason of poverty”, he further disclosed
He recalled with nostalgia, a humble and highly determined 50-year-old woman, Mrs Elizabeth Ologun who attended the 2023 edition of summer holiday free coaching class alongside her two children, sat for the NECO examination and excelled remarkably
“Today, by God’s grace, the foundation is sponsoring her university education. This story epitomizes resilience, the power of second chances, and the belief that learning has no expiry date”, he stated
The Convener described education as the bedrock upon which nations are built and tool that transforms communities, saying the foundation’s mission is to uplift the status of every indigent child and youth through education, health, human capital development, sports, and empowerment for self-reliance.
While acknowledging the several contributions of the Prince Dapo Abiodun’s led administration in the education sector in Ogun State, he called on every stakeholder to compliment the government’s efforts to reduce the alarming rate of out of school children in the country
Similarly, Co-ordinator of the foundation, Hon. Femi Oluyemi in his welcome speech, revealed that TAF began its activities in 2017 as a way of immortalizing the late parents of the Convener, saying the foundation has been providing learning materials and uniforms to less-privileged pupils in selected primary schools within the Ijebu Igbo axis of the state
He stated that the foundation since the introduction of the Free Holiday Coaching Programme for secondary school students in Ijebu Igbo in 2023, has been supporting top three students in each class in every edition of the free summer coaching class with several gifts,ranging from essential school materials such as books, mathematical sets, and school bags while the overall best students in each category also went home with outstanding prizes
“This year, we are proud to have repaired and restored the computer systems in the school’s ICT room, ensuring that students now have access to functional digital learning resources”, he revealed
Oluyemi then appreciated the Board Members of TAF for their tireless efforts in making the programme a success.
Executive Chairman of Ijebu North Local Government, Mr.Omobolaji Odusanya accompanied by two councillors representing Atikori area and a top official, lauded the initiative, announcing N100,000 support for the foundation
The Council’s Chairman who also announced a N10,000 cash for overall best student of the free summer coaching class, urged the over 2,000 students who participated in the programme to make good use of knowledge gained by doing well in their studies while charging parents to be more alive to their responsibilities by providing the needed support for the children to excel in their academic pursuits
The State Commissioner for Community Development and Co-operative, Hon. Ademola Balogun represented, Oba Abdulrasheed Abayomi Banjo represented, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the local government area, Mrs. Famuyiwa, Iyaloja of Ijebu-Igbo and Atikori, Chief Toke Omotara, amongst other dignitaries appreciated the initiative of the foundation and charged the students to be focused on their education to justify the huge investment in them.
The event was spiced up with various performances by the students including special rendition, chorography and cultural dance.
