In a renewed display of compassion and community service, student-teachers from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), currently observing their Teaching Practice (TP) at Oluorogbo High School, Ile-Ife, have continued their educational support initiative for the second consecutive year, awarding scholarships to 14 students. The scholarship, which covered school fees, was presented on October 21, 2026, marking the second year of the initiative.The project reportedly cost ₦75,000.
The initiative, planned and funded by the student-teachers, aimed to support indigent students facing financial challenges and promote continuity in their education. This year’s edition saw the student-teachers commit to paying the school fees of four students and providing new uniforms for seven others, continuing the educational support initiative they began during the previous Teaching Practice activity.
In an interview with a correspondent at InFocus News Agency, the Student Principal of the TP students, Ogunleye Kayode Sheyifunmi, explained that their observations during the exercise motivated them to replicate the intervention, as they encountered students struggling with inadequate school uniforms and outstanding school fees.
‘The condition of the school was not really encouraging. Some of the students had bad uniforms including new students. We just wanted to show that we can help, though we were not able to help everyone. We also noticed that the school fees defaulters were many.’
When asked to what extent the initiative was inspired by the previous year’s, he stated;
‘We saw that the initiative really helped the students. Some of the beneficiaries from last year are still wearing the uniforms they were given. It felt like the right thing to do to continue the impact that was made. I also think it was done last two years also, so it just felt right.’
Kayode noted that the beneficiaries were selected by visiting classrooms to identify students whose uniforms were in the poorest condition and prioritise them for the donation.
‘For the uniform, the beneficiaries were selected based on the bad conditions of the school uniform. Some of the students’ uniforms were torn at the back, Some of them used needles and thread to patch theirs. So we went from class to check for the ones that actually needed it.’
Kayode described the beneficiaries’ reactions as heartwarming as the students could not contain their joy.
‘The students were happy and grateful and even those who didn’t benefit understood after they were addressed. Their parents also called to appreciate our efforts’, he added.
The staff also commended the TP students by applauding them at the morning assembly and showering them with prayers .
Although the team could not reach every student in need, the organisers said the initiative was intended to demonstrate that collective efforts could make a difference.