The Gbemiga Abiodun Education Support Programme, established in memory of the late Gbemiga Abiodun, son of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expanded its reach to 1,277 beneficiaries for the 2026/2027 academic session. This represents an increase from 831 beneficiaries in the 2025/2026 award year. The programme supports students from primary to tertiary levels, ensuring financial difficulties do not hinder their educational pursuits.
Governor Abiodun disclosed that 831 beneficiaries received scholarships totalling ₦99.1 million during the 2025/2026 award year. For the 2026/2027 academic session, the programme will support 336 primary school pupils, 584 secondary school students, 83 technical college students, and 274 tertiary institution students. The programme's application process attracted over 3,000 online applications, including more than 1,500 from Ogun East indigenes.
The programme has been extended to all nine local government areas in Ogun East Senatorial District, broadening access to educational assistance. Following the selection process, 150 new tertiary beneficiaries were selected, while 124 continuing beneficiaries brought the total number of tertiary scholarship recipients to 274. The programme will also support 80 Senior Secondary School Three students preparing for their examinations and transition to tertiary education.
Beyond scholarship awards, the programme introduces entrepreneurship support and digital skills training to equip young people with practical skills for employment and self-reliance. The initiative will provide assistance with Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration, revision, and practice through the LearnOn WhatsApp platform. Governor Abiodun emphasized that the programme aims to ease the financial burden on families and equip beneficiaries with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to become self-reliant.
The technical college category, introduced in 2025, has produced encouraging results, with beneficiaries receiving ₦150,000 each to acquire basic training equipment. Some recipients are already practising their trades, undertaking paid assignments, and improving their livelihoods. The 2026/2027 framework will introduce business start-up and entrepreneurship support for graduating technical college and tertiary institution beneficiaries with viable business ideas.
Twenty selected beneficiaries are expected to receive business development training, mentorship, and start-up support of up to ₦250,000 each. The programme will also introduce a digital skills initiative for 30 selected tertiary institution beneficiaries, offering training in digital marketing, software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and user interface and user experience design. Governor Abiodun acknowledged the contributions of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to the programme's implementation and expansion.
Commissioner Professor Abayomi Arigbabu commended the initiative for helping students overcome financial barriers to education. The programme coordinator, Reverend Bola Oyeledun, highlighted the initiative's expanding reach, particularly its extension to all nine local government areas in Ogun East Senatorial District. Governor Abiodun expressed appreciation to the Foundation's Board and Management, the Ministry, teachers, school administrators, community leaders, partners, and supporters for their contributions to sustaining the programme.
Key points
- The Gbemiga Abiodun Education Support Programme has increased its reach to 1,277 beneficiaries for the 2026/2027 academic session.
- The programme introduces entrepreneurship support and digital skills training to equip young people with practical skills for employment and self-reliance.
- The initiative will provide business development training, mentorship, and start-up support of up to ₦250,000 each to 20 selected beneficiaries.
