OAU: Alumni give back to alma mater, award N20.8m scholarships to 104 students

*Dolapo Ajayi, President of the Great Ife Alumni Association of Obafemi Awolowo University, Dallas–Fort Worth Branch, in the United States, informs Prof. Adebayo Bamire, Vice-Chancellor of OAU, that the initiative is designed to reward academic excellence and ease the financial burden on deserving students of the prestigious University

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Great Ife Alumni Association of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) Branch, in the United States (US), has awarded 104 scholarships worth N20.8 million to outstanding students of OAU, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

ConsumerConnect reports the OAU Alumni DFW Branch held its 3rd Dallas Scholars Award Ceremony in the Oduduwa Hall of the University recently.

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Speaking on the presentation of scholarships to the student beneficiaries, Mr. Dolapo Ajayi, President of DFW Branch, told Prof. Adebayo Bamire, Vice-Chancellor of OAU, that the initiative was designed to reward academic excellence and ease the financial burden on deserving students.

The alumni also announced that each student beneficiary received N200,000 as a non-refundable monetary grant aimed at supporting essential needs, such as tuition and accommodation, thereby enabling them to focus fully on their studies.

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Ajayi stated: “This scholarship is not a loan. It is our way of supporting students who have demonstrated excellence and resilience, so they are not distracted by financial challenges.”

The President of the Alumni DFW Branch further explained that the Dallas Scholars Initiative, which started 2024 with 52 awardees, expanded to 104 beneficiaries 2025, and has been sustained at the same level till 2026.

According to him, the programme is structured to support students throughout their academic stay, provided they continue to meet the required criteria.

The alumni of the University disclosed that out of the 104 scholarships awarded this year, 80 were renewals for existing scholars, while 24 new students were admitted into the programme, following the graduation of some earlier beneficiaries.

Ajayi noted that the selection process is handled solely by the association’s Scholarship Award Team Leaders, including Mrs. Bunmi Adejuyigbe, Head of Internet, and Mr. Tokunbo Adejuyigbe, Head of the Planning Committee.

The President noted that the committee operates independently of the university administration.

Ajayi said: “We receive thousands of applications every year.

“Applicants submit a statement of purpose, academic records including CGPA, a résumé, and other supporting documents.

“The process is rigorous, competitive, and objective, and we even leverage technology, including AI, to ensure fairness.”

In his remarks, Dr. Adeduntan Segun-Olasanmi, Acting Director of the Advancement Office of OAU, described the initiative as a reflection of the alumni’s enduring commitment to their alma mater.

Segun-Olasanmi noted that with the latest awards, the Dallas–Fort Worth Branch has funded total 260 scholarships within three years, representing an investment of nearly N50 million in student development.

She also stated: “These alumni have needs of their own, yet they continue to give back.

“This scholarship has transformed the lives of many beneficiaries. Several scholars have graduated at the top of their classes, won departmental and faculty awards, and even secured international research collaborations.”

The Acting Director of the Advancement Office lauded the Alumni DFW Branch for its consistency on the initiative.

The University remains grateful for the sustained support, she noted.

Speaking at the event also, Prof. Bamire, Vice-Chancellor of the University, commended the alumni for their generosity.

He described the award of scholarships as a major contributor to students’ academic stability and performance.

The Vice-Chancellor stated: “The relief provided by this scholarship allows students to concentrate fully on their studies.

“We can clearly see the connection between financial support and academic excellence.”

Bamire, therefore, assured the alumni that the University would continue to track the academic progress and achievements of beneficiaries to measure the long-term impact of the initiative.

Senior University officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and the Dean of Student Affairs (DSA), as well as members of the alumni association branch attended the scholarship award ceremony in Ile-Ife.

Beneficiaries speak on awards

Miracle Oyetoro, one of the beneficiaries, a student of the Faculty of Agriculture at OAU, reportedly described the scholarship as a turning point in her academic and personal journey.

Oyetoro likened her experience to the biblical story of Joseph, noting that her path to purpose had not been smooth despite her strong sense of calling.

She said: “When we think of destiny, we often imagine a straight line from a dream to reality, but my journey has been anything but straight.”

The student also explained that her decision to study Agriculture was driven by a deep personal conviction rather than prestige.

She later discovered that purpose does not shield one from hardship.

Oyetoro further said: “Being on the path of divine direction does not exempt one from ordeals.

“Like Joseph, I faced seasons where the vision became blurry and personal struggles made me question my journey.”

According to her, the Dallas Scholars Award came at a moment when hope seemed distant, serving as both financial relief and emotional reassurance.

The student stated: “This scholarship is more than financial support to me. It is a signal — a reminder that when God orders a journey,

“He also provides the resources for it. It reassures me that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.”

According to her, the award renewed her motivation and inspired her to encourage fellow scholars who may be facing difficulties on their path to success.

Oyetoro concluded her address with a deeply reflective poem, titled: “The Scholar’s Mandate”, which drew strong emotional reactions from fellow beneficiaries and guests at the ceremony.

In the poem, she encouraged scholars to remain steadfast despite challenges.

Oyetoro described the scholarship award not merely as a reward but as a seed and ladder meant to propel them towards purpose and service.

She equally reminded fellow awardees that progress does not always come in dramatic leaps. “However small the steps may seem, they still matter,” she opined, urging them to not lose faith during difficult seasons that may feel like a desert.

Addressing her fellow scholars directly, Oyetoro charged them to rise above fear, reject mediocrity, and live purpose-driven lives that would leave a lasting impact beyond material rewards.

She ended the poem with a call to courage and excellence.

The student beneficiary urged the scholars to “hold the torch high,” spread their wings, and recognise that their potential extends “far beyond the sky.”

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