Yesterday, hope was rekindled for ten underprivileged students at Wesley College of Science, Elekuro, Ibadan, Oyo State, as the 1995 Alumni Set (WESCOSA ’95) generously donated a cheque amounting to N3.5 million to cover their boarding fees for the upcoming academic year.
The event, held within the school grounds located in the Ibadan South-East local government area, focused on assisting five students from SS2 and five from SS3 whose families were unable to afford the boarding expenses.
The recipients included Alawusa Alimo, Olubudo Goodluck, Gbeminiyi Okikiola, Alabi Eniola, and Sarajudeen Olamide from SS2, alongside Amoo Testimony, Onaolapo Micheal, Babalola Mercy, Oyefeso Olaoluwa, and Tijani Rodiat in SS3.
Addressing attendees, Mrs. Olanike Mustapha, president of WESCOSA ’95, explained that this initiative was part of their 30th anniversary celebrations since graduating from the institution.
“To honor three decades since our graduation, we felt compelled to give back to the school that played a pivotal role in shaping our lives. During our preparations, we discovered that several students were at risk of dropping out due to unpaid boarding fees, including a boy whose father is visually impaired. This deeply moved us,” she shared.
“We decided to sponsor ten students, each requiring N350,000 annually, totaling N3.5 million. This is our way of investing in the promising futures of these young individuals.”
She encouraged other alumni groups to emulate this act of kindness.
“Many of us benefited from quality education in this state years ago. Now, it’s our responsibility to ensure that current students receive similar opportunities. While government efforts are vital, alumni contributions are equally essential,” she emphasized.
Mr. Obanisola Openiyi, the school principal, praised the 1995 alumni for their timely and impactful generosity.
“This donation will bring relief to struggling families for months ahead. Some beneficiaries had not yet returned to school due to unpaid fees. Now, they can resume their studies with renewed hope.
“The alumni’s support will inspire these students to strive for excellence. Although government initiatives to recruit teachers and enhance education are commendable, collaborations like this truly make a difference.”
He also appealed to other alumni groups and philanthropists to contribute through infrastructure development, scholarships, and mentorship programs.
One of the beneficiaries, Gbeminiyi Okikiola, had been unable to return to school because his father, Mr. Gbeminiyi Odina, who is visually impaired, could not afford the fees.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Odina recounted,
“Without payment, my son was barred from entering the school. I had been borrowing money just to keep him enrolled, and last week, while seeking help again, the class teacher informed me about this support.
“Words fail to capture what this means to us. He is my only child. After losing my sight, I feared his education might be cut short. This scholarship is the greatest blessing we have received since his birth. I told him that when he achieves success, he should also give back, just as the ’95 set has done.”
Mr. Ize Ozoya, chairman of the Scholarship Committee, highlighted the careful selection process behind the aid.
“Our goal was to ensure the assistance reached the most vulnerable students. This initiative is about preserving dignity, not merely providing financial aid. It will create a lasting positive impact on these families.”
Representing the student beneficiaries, Onaolapo Micheal from SS3 expressed heartfelt thanks:
“We are deeply grateful for this support. It has eased a significant burden on our families. We pledge to work diligently and make the alumni proud,” he affirmed.
