The Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation (BBBF) has awarded scholarships to approximately 877 students and undergraduates in Kwara State. This latest disbursement brings the total number of students who have benefited from the initiative since its inception a decade ago to around 3,381.

The founder, Adebayo Babalola, stated that the scheme was designed to empower indigent students, reduce educational inequality, and support the development of young leaders, particularly within the Kwara South Senatorial District.

A breakdown of the current 877 beneficiaries shows the support covers various levels:

1. Junior Secondary Three (JS3): 103 students

2. Senior Secondary (SS) classes: 140 students

3. Other Secondary School students: 338 students

4. Undergraduates: 296 students

While scholarships for SS3 and JS3 students covered their examination fees and normal charges, the awards for undergraduates covered tuition and other related expenses.

Mr. Babalola expressed serious concerns that Nigeria still ranks high among countries with a large number of out-of-school children, despite the substantial allocations to the sector by successive governments.

The philanthropist, noting that about 18.3 million children are currently out of school, called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to tackle the challenge. He specifically called on the government to be mindful of its responsibilities, reminding them that no nation can grow beyond its educational status.

He said: "These children are posing a lot of threat to Nigeria's development and security. Since they will need to survive, they have to fend for themselves one way or the other. And this is not only peculiar to out-of-school children. Many who have graduated have nothing doing and they take to crime to survive."

He also lamented that the menace of out-of-school children is robbing the country of quality manpower that could have helped national development.

He reminded that education is the bedrock of any society's development, hence, the need to give priority attention to the sector.

Babalola highlighted some of the challenges hindering qualitative education to include inadequate infrastructure, poor funding and lack of access to quality educational resources.

"These challenges are compounded by unemployment and poverty, which affect millions of Nigerians, including youths. The statistics are alarming. With Nigeria's unemployment rate at over 33 per cent, with youth unemployment being even higher, this has severe implications for our economy and society as a whole," Babalola stated.

He warned that failure to equip young people with the necessary skills needed to secure meaningful employment may lead to poverty and disillusionment.

By awarding scholarships to deserving pupils and students, Babalola said the foundation is not only alleviating the financial burden on families, but also empowering young people to reach their full potential.

"As we celebrate this milestone, I urge us all to reflect on the broader issues that affect our nation. We need to think critically about how we can work together to address the challenges of unemployment, poverty, and educational inequality. We need to harness the energy and creativity of our youth to drive innovation and progress in our society.

"May I appeal to the Kwara State Government to invest more in the education of our pupils and students. There is a need to create a more conducive environment for learning. The classrooms should be in better condition with more security, while members of staff should be better paid and well-motivated," he added.

The co-founder, Mrs Christiana Babalola, expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the programme for a decade despite economic challenges.

While urging beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity, Babalola reminded them that the award is not just a recognition of their academic achievements, but a testament to their potential to make a positive impact in the world.

Meanwhile, traditional rulers, parents, and beneficiaries have expressed happiness over the scholarship award, especially undergraduates and students from Kwara South Senatorial District and even far away Baruteen Local Government Area of the state.

They also lauded the initiator for their investments in the scholarship scheme, and other philanthropic outreaches.Speaking at Omu-Aran City Hall in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Akolade Oloyede commended the foundation for its continued support and investments in the educational advancement of the senatorial district.

He noted that some of the past beneficiaries of the scheme have not only excelled in their academics and even graduated from their academic institutions, but are doing well in their chosen careers.

The royal father stated that the scheme has given relief to the beneficiaries, their parents and communities. He said: "Educated people are light to their families. When a child finds help, it changes the story of that family. This foundation has illuminated many homes."

The Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, Oba Solomon Oluwagbemiga Oloyede, said the foundation has been exemplary in education support, noting that such interventions are priceless. He added that the foundation is a model for community-driven educational empowerment.

The National President of Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), Omoniyi Adeyeye, called on other well-meaning and wealthy indigenes of the state to emulate Babalola by contributing to educational development and investing in other philanthropic outreaches.

One of the beneficiaries, Azeez Ayoola, described the scholarship initiative as a huge relief, considering the current economic challenges. He said it will help the beneficiaries concentrate on their studies without worrying about tuition fees and some other academic financial demands.

Another recipient from Baruteen council, Ibrahim Abdulmumin expressed gratitude to the foundation for extending the scheme to his council. A parent, Mrs. Rachael Mopelola, whose daughter was among the current beneficiaries, said the intervention has lifted a huge financial burden off the beneficiaries and their families.

The Chairman of the BBBF Organising Committee, Elder Ajiboye, said he was fulfilled to be a part of the scheme. Ajiboye noted that many people, whose academic pursuits could have been truncated, are relieved through BBBF's intervention. He added that the foundation is a beacon of hope for the less privileged.

Alabi Eyitayo Ifeoluwa, said: "The scholarship support came at a perfect and much-needed time, making a significant difference in my life and the lives of countless others.

Another beneficiary, Olanrewaju Geisler said: "I was a student of Federal University, Oye Ekiti, when I got the scholarship. I'm really grateful for the opportunity.

Asaolu Praise Oluwatobi, a final year student studying Architecture at Federal University of Technology, Minna, and a native of Iloga in Oke-Ero local government areas of Kwara State, said: "I wish to express my gratitude to God, who has used and still using Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation to bless me I had received from their Foundation.

"Your generosity and commitment to empowering students like me have made a significant impact on my academic journey. Your investment in my education gave me a sense of purpose and motivation, to learn and develop myself, to be able to impact society positively in all areas of life.

President, Nigerian Students Union, Pakistan, and former President, Omu Aran Students' Union, Akanbi Abdulmutakeem Idowu, said the initiative has been a beacon of hope and a strong pillar of support for many students.