The family of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has launched a scholarship programme, the Gbemiga Abiodun Memorial Education Support Programme, to support indigent students. The programme aims to sustain the humanitarian legacy of the governor's late son, Gbemiga Abiodun. At the third edition of the programme, Governor Abiodun announced that the initiative had supported a total of 1,277 students since its establishment in 2023.
The governor explained that the foundation was established in honour of his late son to sustain his passion for helping others, particularly the less privileged. The initiative was inspired by Gbemiga's desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Following his death, the family resolved to preserve that spirit of generosity through a structured intervention to support indigent students and ensure that financial difficulties did not deprive them of educational opportunities.
The beneficiaries for the 2025/2026 award year were selected from approximately 3,000 applications received through the programme's online portal. The beneficiaries comprised primary school pupils, secondary school students, technical college students, and students in tertiary institutions. The scheme is designed to promote access to education and ease the financial burden on disadvantaged families.
Governor Abiodun disclosed that 150 new beneficiaries were selected for tertiary-level scholarships, while 124 continuing beneficiaries brought the total number of students supported at that level to 274. The governor also announced additional support for 80 Senior Secondary School students preparing for their examinations and seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
The students will receive assistance with registration for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), alongside revision and practice sessions through the LEARN MORE WhatsApp platform. The programme will also sustain engagement with beneficiaries and their parents to provide guidance and support throughout their academic journey.
The scholarship scheme, which initially focused on the Remo axis, had expanded to cover all nine local government areas in Ogun East Senatorial District following its success and growing impact. The governor highlighted the vocational education component introduced in 2025, where beneficiaries in technical colleges received ₦120,000 each to acquire essential training equipment.
Some beneficiaries had already begun practising their trades, undertaking paid assignments, and improving their livelihoods, demonstrating the potential of vocational education to promote self-reliance and economic empowerment. The governor called on wealthy individuals and organisations to support efforts to improve access to education for vulnerable members of society.
Key points
- The Abiodun family has awarded scholarships worth over N100 million to 831 indigent students.
- The Gbemiga Abiodun Memorial Education Support Programme has supported a total of 1,277 students since its establishment in 2023.
- The programme aims to promote access to education and ease the financial burden on disadvantaged families.
