OSOPADEC: Jubilation sweeps mandate areas as Gov. Aiyedatiwa Approves Scholarships for First-Class Graduates in Science and Engineering to Study Abroad
..as Commission Launches 2024/2025 Bursary Awards, Introduces Specialized Scholarships for Professional Studies
The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has officially launched its 2024/2025 Scholarship and Bursary Award scheme, reaffirming its commitment to advancing educational support for students within its mandate areas.
The flag-off ceremony, held at the Commission’s boardroom on Monday, brought together government officials, student leaders, and key stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer/Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, expressed appreciation to the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, alongside members of the Board, Management, and other stakeholders for their sustained support.
He also commended past and present student leaders for their cooperation, noting that the cordial relationship between student bodies and the Commission has been instrumental to the success of the initiative.
Poroye charged beneficiaries to serve as worthy ambassadors of the Commission and the state by upholding integrity and promoting constructive engagement.
“You must continue to support the government through exemplary conduct and strong academic performance,” he said.
In a significant policy shift, the Chairman announced increased consideration for female students in the scholarship category, citing their higher population within the mandate areas.
“Out of the proposed five scholarship slots for outstanding students, three will be allocated to female students,” he disclosed.
He further unveiled new initiatives aimed at strengthening academic excellence and professional development.
“We are introducing scholarships specifically for first-class students in Science and Engineering disciplines. This initiative is designed to encourage academic excellence and position our region to produce highly skilled professionals capable of competing globally and contributing meaningfully to technological advancement,” he stated.
“Additionally, we are launching specialized scholarship and sponsorship programmes for professional courses in Pharmacy and Medical Sciences. These fields are critical to the health and well-being of our communities, and investing in them is an investment in our collective future,” Poroye added.
He urged beneficiaries to remain focused and appreciative, emphasizing that their academic performance and character are the best ways to reciprocate government support.
The Chairman subsequently declared the 2024/2025 Scholarship and Bursary Award exercise officially open.
Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mr. F. A. Omomowo, commended the Executive Chairman for his proactive leadership and praised student leaders for their responsiveness.
He explained that while the bursary scheme is designed to alleviate financial pressures on parents and guardians, the scholarship awards are intended to recognize and reward academic excellence.
“The process is transparent, digital, and strictly merit-based. Impersonation and falsification of information will not be tolerated,” Omomowo warned.
He also expressed appreciation to the state governor for approving the commencement of the exercise.
Delivering a technical presentation, the Director of Community Welfare, Comrade Kayode Ebiseni, outlined the online registration procedures and eligibility criteria.
He stated that applicants must be indigenes of Ilaje or Ese-Odo Local Government Areas and full-time students of recognized tertiary institutions, including postgraduate students and those at the Nigerian Law School.
Ebiseni noted that part-time, pre-degree, sandwich, NTI, and unaccredited diploma students are not eligible for the scheme.
He further listed the required documents, including a recent passport photograph, proof of local government of origin, JAMB admission letter, school fees receipt for the 2024/2025 academic session, and a valid student identity card.
“The registration slip must be duly signed and stamped by the appropriate school authority before submission,” he emphasized.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on OSOPADEC, Hon. Primate Toyin Allen, commended the state government for prioritizing education under its OUR EASE agenda.
He described the Chairman’s efforts as transformational, noting that the Commission’s leadership has continued to ease the burden on students while ensuring inclusiveness at every stage of the process.
Also speaking, the Presidents of FELGOS and NAIS, Comrade John Olowolayemo and Comrade Eyiwunmi Obadare, respectively, expressed gratitude to the government and OSOPADEC leadership for prioritizing student welfare.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to the Executive Chairman of OSOPADEC, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye by NAIS and FELGOS.
Presenting the award, the Special Assistant to OSOPADEC Chairman on Youths and Students Affairs, Comrade Deji Semudara, described Poroye as a “sagacious leader committed to human capital development, particularly in advancing student welfare.”
