29-Year Scholarship: Oyebanji Says Olanipekun’s Model Shows How Private Philanthropy Can Rescue Nigeria’s Education, ,

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has underscored the critical role of private sector philanthropy in strengthening Nigeria’s education system, describing Chief Wole Olanipekun’s 29-year-old scholarship scheme as a national model for expanding access to quality education and human capital development.
Speaking in Ikere-Ekiti during the 29th edition of the Wole Olanipekun Scholarship Scheme and the 6th Empowerment Programme, Oyebanji said the Senior Advocate of Nigeria has, for nearly three decades, consistently invested millions of naira to support students at secondary, tertiary and professional levels, at a time when many young Nigerians struggle to fund their education.
The governor noted that the scheme, which has supported thousands of students, including beneficiaries who have gone on to become lawyers, engineers, academics, and professionals, remains one of the longest sustained privately funded scholarship programmes in the country.
He added that education-focused philanthropy could significantly narrow access gaps if more Nigerians embraced the responsibility to support learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Oyebanji stated that the programme’s impact extends beyond scholarships, adding that widows and elderly citizens receive financial support that helps keep vulnerable learners focused on their studies and reduces the economic pressure on low-income households.
“To build a knowledgeable, productive and compassionate society, the country needs leaders who, like Olanipekun, use their influence and resources to transform lives,” he said.
The governor also urged beneficiaries to treat their educational grants as “seeds” for their future, encouraging them to emulate the philanthropist’s culture of giving back.
In his remarks, Olanipekun said the foundation’s scholarship and empowerment programmes were designed to remove obstacles that hinder young Nigerians from achieving academic excellence.
He explained that the scheme began 29 years ago as a modest effort to help a few indigent students but has grown into a structured, multi-category support system that now reaches 505 beneficiaries annually.
These include: students receiving scholarships from secondary school through university and law school; 250 youths under the Youth Empowerment Initiative for skills training and start-up support; 50 widows receiving livelihood interventions; and 50 elderly citizens supported under the Old People Programme.
Olanipekun described education as the most powerful pathway out of poverty, noting that many alumni of the scheme are now productive citizens contributing meaningfully to the economy.
“True generosity is not the applause of the moment but a constant commitment to building people. Charity is the spice of riches; give while you live, so others may live because you gave,” he said.

, Education – THISDAYLIVE, November 26, 2025, 12:56 pm