By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
Ilorin, Kwara State — The vision of empowering young Nigerians through education took a significant step forward as the first batch of scholarship beneficiaries under the Grand Plus College of Education, Ilorin Scholarship Scheme successfully completed their academic programmes, marking a milestone in community-based educational empowerment.
The scholarship initiative, launched about three years ago during the campaign period of Hon. Igbalaye Wasiu Ayodele (IWA), member of the Ogun State House of Assembly representing Abeokuta South Constituency II, has now produced its first set of graduates — all of whom achieved outstanding academic results and commendable performances.
The programme, which enrolled over forty students in its maiden batch, was designed to assist brilliant but financially disadvantaged youths, giving them access to quality teacher-education training at Grand Plus College of Education, Ilorin.
According to the organisers, the graduation of these students demonstrates the “effectiveness of the initiative and the sincerity of purpose that inspired its creation.”
“This success story is not just about education; it’s about transformation. It shows that when leaders invest in people, the results speak for themselves. These graduates are proof that Hon. Igbalaye Wasiu’s promises were not just political statements, but genuine commitments to youth development,” the organisers stated.
Hon. Wasiu, who championed the scholarship project, has repeatedly emphasized education as a cornerstone of sustainable development. He believes that empowering youths through education remains one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty and build a stronger, more self-reliant society.
Stakeholders at the college and within the community hailed the development, describing it as a “promise made and a promise kept.” They lauded Hon. Igbalaye Wasiu for his unwavering dedication to improving access to education and nurturing future leaders through strategic empowerment.
“This initiative is a worthy model of leadership that prioritizes people over politics. It’s a clear example of how targeted educational investment can change lives and uplift entire communities,” one of the education stakeholders remarked.
Meanwhile, preparations are in top gear for Batch B of the scholarship scheme, which will soon open new opportunities for another group of young people to pursue higher education and professional teaching careers at the institution.
Community members expressed excitement about the continuation of the programme, commending Hon. Igbalaye Wasiu for sustaining a project that directly impacts families and builds the intellectual capacity of the next generation.
The success of the scholarship initiative, they noted, has reaffirmed the Honourable’s reputation as a visionary leader who backs words with action.
“Education remains the best legacy, and Hon. IWA has once again proven that leadership is about creating opportunities that outlive political cycles,” said Comr. Onifade Oluwatosin A., Special Adviser on Media to Hon. Igbalaye Wasiu Ayodele.
“The graduation of this first batch is a proud moment — not just for the beneficiaries, but for the entire Abeokuta South Constituency II, which stands to benefit from a better-educated, more empowered youth population,” he added.
The scholarship beneficiaries, their families, and the host institution have all expressed profound appreciation to Hon. Wasiu for his commitment to human capital development and his continued belief that education remains the strongest tool for community transformation.
