Abiodun's Education Support Programme Grows to 1,277 Beneficiaries

The Gbemiga Abiodun Education Support Programme has expanded its reach from 831 beneficiaries in the 2025/2026 award year to 1,277 for the 2026/2027 academic session. The programme now includes entrepreneurship support and digital skills training to help young people gain practical skills for jobs and self-reliance.

This programme was set up in memory of Gbemiga Abiodun, the son of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. It supports students from primary to tertiary levels. The aim is to make sure that financial problems do not stop young people from achieving their educational goals.

At the fourth edition of the programme on Friday, 9 October 2026, Governor Abiodun shared that 831 beneficiaries received scholarships worth ₦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, raising the total to 1,277 beneficiaries.

The governor explained that the latest round of awards has been extended to all nine local government areas in Ogun East Senatorial District. This is to improve access to educational support.

He mentioned that the application process drew over 3,000 online applications, including more than 1,500 from Ogun East indigenes. After the selection process, 150 new tertiary beneficiaries were picked, while 124 continuing beneficiaries brought the total number of tertiary scholarship recipients to 274.

In addition to the scholarships, the programme will help 80 Senior Secondary School Three students who are preparing for their exams and moving on to tertiary education through the UTME and SSCE Support Programme.

This intervention will assist with Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration, revision and practice using the LearnOn WhatsApp platform. There will also be continued engagement with students and their parents.

Governor Abiodun said the programme aims to reduce the financial burden on families. It also seeks to equip beneficiaries with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to be self-reliant and contribute positively to society.

He noted that the technical college category introduced in 2025 is showing positive results. Beneficiaries are receiving ₦150,000 each to buy basic training equipment.

According to him, some recipients are already working in their trades, taking paid jobs and improving their livelihoods. This shows the benefit of combining vocational training with practical tools.

Building on this, the 2026/2027 plan will add business start-up and entrepreneurship support for graduating technical college and tertiary institution students with good business ideas. Twenty selected beneficiaries will get 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. This will include training in digital marketing, software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and user interface and user experience design.

The Governor said the initiative shows his family’s commitment to turning the loss of their son into chances for other young people whose education might be interrupted by financial hardship.

"Nothing can replace Gbemiga. But through this programme, our love for him reaches young people whose education might otherwise be interrupted by hardship," he said.

He thanked the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, led by Commissioner Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, for helping to carry out and expand the programme.

Arigbabu praised the initiative for helping students overcome financial challenges and urged beneficiaries to stay focused, disciplined and committed to their studies.

He encouraged the students to make good use of the opportunities available to them. He noted that education is key for personal growth and community development.

The programme coordinator, Reverend Bola Oyeledun, highlighted the initiative’s growing reach, especially its expansion to all nine local government areas in Ogun East Senatorial District. This has opened up access for more eligible students.

Lamisa Abiodun, sister of the late Gbemiga, also congratulated the beneficiaries. She urged them, especially those in technical colleges, to take their training seriously and apply their skills effectively.

She stressed the importance of vocational training in preparing young people for jobs, entrepreneurship and lasting livelihoods.

Governor Abiodun thanked the Foundation’s Board and Management, the Ministry, teachers, school administrators, community leaders, partners and supporters for their efforts in keeping the programme going.

He also asked parents and guardians to stay actively involved in their children’s education. They should monitor their progress, encourage them and stay in touch with their teachers.

The Gbemiga Abiodun Education Support Programme was set up in honour of the Governor’s late son. His wish to help others inspires the family's commitment to education, skills development and youth empowerment.

Abiodun hopes the initiative will keep expanding and help more students, ensuring that no child's potential is limited by their family's financial situation.