AYETORO GBEDE – The Global Health and Indigent Care Foundation Inc. held its highly anticipated 2nd annual scholarship and award ceremony on December 12, 2023, at the Ayetoro Gbede Town Hall. The event, attended by distinguished guests including the esteemed Acting Olu of Ayetoro Gbede and members of the Oba-in-Council, with notable stakeholders in the community showcased the Foundation’s dedication to promoting academic excellence and providing educational assistance to the indigent.
Under the leadership of Dr. Samuel Oloyo and his wife, Mrs. Julie Oloyo, the Foundation has made remarkable contributions to the community and beyond. Their philanthropy extends to medical assistance through annual outreach efforts in Ayetoro Gbede and neighboring Igbaruku, supporting the needy during the challenging times of COVID-19, and providing relief programs during the Christmas season.
The primary focus of the scholarship program is to encourage the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects at the secondary school level. Additionally, the Foundation strives to inspire more students to pursue STEM-related courses in higher institutions. Recognizing the economic hardships faced by many, the program also provides financial assistance to indigent students, relieving the burden of school fees and facilitating greater access to education.
Over the past year, the Foundation supported 318 students from four public secondary schools in Ayetoro Gbede by paying their outstanding school fees, amounting to a remarkable N2,605,800. Furthermore, the Foundation awarded 39 exceptional students who demonstrated outstanding academic performance.
The impact of the Foundation’s generosity extended to higher institutions, where 11 students from seven different schools pursuing various STEM courses received financial assistance totaling N1,320,000. Additionally, the Foundation supported the Ayetoro Gbede Global Network (AGN) by contributing N1,250,000 for the salaries of STEM teachers employed at the Community High School. Igbaruku community also witnessed the program’s reach with a financial aid package of N700,000 dedicated to promoting STEM education.
The 2023/2024 academic scholarship program has seen an increase in the number of beneficiaries, with 138 students receiving a combined total of 230 awards across the four public secondary schools in Ayetoro Gbede. These awards, amounting to N1,410,000, will be utilized to offset any outstanding school fees, as well as future fees for the deserving recipients. Any potential excess will be refunded to the parents upon completion of their children’s education, as applicable.
At the tertiary education level, the Foundation is awarding a total of 29 students studying various STEM courses, ranging from Medical Sciences, Engineering, and Computer Science, with each receiving a financial aid package totaling N4,000,000.
Expressing their commitment to the community, the Foundation has increased its annual scholarship program dedicated to Igbaruku community from N700,000 to N800,000. These efforts, combined with the scholarships and financial assistance provided to Ayetoro Gbede, totals an impressive N7,500,000 in support of empowering indigent students and promoting STEM education in both communities.
In an effort to further stimulate students’ interest in STEM subjects and the use of the English language, the Foundation has organized a quiz program intended to foster healthy competition among secondary school students.
Chairman of the Scholarship and Educational Assistance Program Committee, Richard Olonishuwa, expressed his hopes that these interventions would inspire the awardees to remain focused and excel academically, realizing the Foundation’s vision to produce a new generation of STEM professionals and uplift individuals out of poverty.
While student commitment is essential, parents and teachers were urged to play an active role in ensuring that students fully embrace the altruistic investment made by the Foundation. Mr. Olonishuwa fervently expressed his prayer that one day, beneficiaries would have the opportunity to give back, further perpetuating the cycle of generosity.
The Global Health and Indigent Care Foundation Inc. continues to make a significant impact on the lives of students in Ayetoro Gbede and Igbaruku communities, emphasizing the importance of quality education and promising a brighter future for all.