In a remarkable and commendable display of compassion and community service, the student-teachers from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), currently observing their Teaching Practice (TP) at Oluorogbo High School, Ile-Ife, presented scholarship awards to 14 students. The scholarship award covered school fees and it was presented on October 29th, 2025.
The initiative, which was fully planned and funded by the TP students, aimed at supporting indigent students facing financial challenges. This will, thereby, promote continuity in their education. The total amount spent on the scholarship was approximately ₦120,000.
Speaking with a correspondent at Infocus News Agency, the Student Principal of the TP students, Nasir Hameed Olajide, explained that their previous teaching experience at the school inspired the idea of the scholarship.
’This time last year, majority of us had our TP at the same school,’ he said. ‘During the period, through interactions with some of the staff, we discovered quite a number of students were really struggling financially. Some had tattered uniforms, and we raised money individually to provide about thirty students with brand new uniforms. When we returned this year, we found that some of those students had repeated a class because they couldn’t afford to pay the state exam fee. That’s what prompted us to step in and help.’
Olajide noted that raising the funds was not without its challenges, but teamwork and commitment made it possible.
‘It was actually very challenging at first,’ he shared. ‘But with God, everyone turned up fully when we started the contributions in the second week of our TP. Before we knew it, we had raised a huge sum because we worked together as a team.’
When asked how the beneficiaries were selected, the student principal said the team consulted the school’s teachers for guidance.
‘We identified the students through informal interviews and engagement with the teachers who knew their family backgrounds, alongside their class teachers,’ he explained.
Olajide described the beneficiaries’ reactions as heartwarming as the students could not contain their joy.
‘The students were overjoyed, and even those who didn’t benefit understood after they were addressed. We also received several appreciative calls from parents profusely appreciating our efforts,’ he added.
Staff and students who commended the TP students for their thoughtful initiative witnessed the presentation ceremony.
The scholarship project not only eased the financial burdens of the indigent students but also, reflected the empathy, leadership, and humanitarian spirit of the next generation of educators. Indeed, there is hope for the education sector in Nigeria.