Osun State on Tuesday witnessed a landmark educational intervention as over ₦300 million worth of bursaries, learning materials, and institutional grants were distributed across the Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency. The initiative which was spearheaded by Rep. Bamidele Salam, was officially launched at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Ede, Osun State.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who attended the event, commended the programme as timely and impactful. He stressed that while his government continues to upgrade school infrastructure and curriculum delivery, community-driven interventions remain crucial in widening access to quality education.
ENTRUST REPORTERS CORRESPONDENT gathered that 1,300 tertiary students received ₦100,000 each in bursaries, while more than 2,000 primary and secondary pupils were given textbooks, notebooks, and school bags. Adeleke noted that these provisions would ease the financial strain on families and improve student performance across the constituency.
In addition, ₦5 million was allocated to each of the four local governments in support of student bodies and professional associations. Beneficiaries included the Federation of Ede Land Students Union (₦5m), Federation of Egbedore Students (₦5m), Ejigbo Students Association (₦5m), and the Nigeria Union of Teachers, which received ₦5m in each local government.
Hon. Bamidele Salam stated that the intervention was funded through his 2025 federal constituency allocation, redirected to cushion the challenges faced by students and teachers. He said poverty should never deny children access to education, adding that “even a school bag can make a world of difference in rural communities.”
The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna, coordinated the project. Representing the Director-General, Mr. Aminu Musa pledged continued support to strengthen teacher training nationwide, while commending Rep. Salam’s commitment to prioritizing education.
Community leaders, traditional rulers, and teachers praised the initiative as a clear demonstration of effective representation. Educators described the support as “timely,” while student beneficiaries shared emotional testimonies about how the bursaries and materials had lifted financial burdens and restored hope.
Governor Adeleke, in his closing remarks, called for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders. “Education is the most powerful investment any society can make. Together, we can raise a generation that will lead our state and nation to greater heights,” he declared.
