Gafar Alabi 

The Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evang. Olalekan Ifede, has described education as one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty, building confidence and creating opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to the society.

Ifede, stated this while delivering a goodwill message at the graduation and inauguration/onboarding ceremony of the Chief Moses Majekodunmi Foundation (MAMF) Girl-Child Scholarship Programme in Abeokuta.

The SUBEB Chairman, noted that the beneficiaries were products of the public school system, said the foundation's scholarship programme was providing deserving Public School students with opportunities to pursue their secondary and higher education in partnership with TAIDOB College and other institutions of higher learning.

Represented by the Director of Academic and School Services, SUBEB, Mrs. Kehinde Anifowose, Ifede said the success of the beneficiaries was a testament to the dedication of teachers, commitment of parents and guardians, as well as the importance of collaboration among government, private organisations, foundations and communities.

 “SUBEB deeply appreciates the foundation for complementing the efforts of the government in ensuring that deserving children are not deprived of quality education because of financial circumstances. Your intervention is a clear demonstration that meaningful partnerships can produce lasting impact in the education sector,’’ he said.

The SUBEB boss urged the graduating students to see their achievement as the beginning of greater opportunities, charging them to continue to work hard, remain disciplined and uphold good character.

           He also reminded them that the support they had received came with a responsibility which was to give back to the society and inspire other young girls to pursue their dreams.

In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the foundation, Mr. Richard Uwayzor, described the celebration as a demonstration of possibilities when a young girl is given an opportunity, supported consistently and encouraged to believe in her potential.

He explained that the foundation started the scholarship programme with three girls, but had since expanded the initiative into a larger educational intervention. According to him, 39 girls had so far benefited from the MAMF Girl-Child Scholarship Programme, with the initiative already producing encouraging results.

He charged the six newly inaugurated scholars to embrace commitment, discipline, positive attitude, hard work and a willingness to take advantage of every opportunity available to them.

The Executive Secretary also appreciated the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, SUBEB, teachers and the wider public school system for their support in making the programme possible.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, Joy Oderinde, appreciated the foundation for providing them with full scholarships, promised that the beneficiaries would continue to be good ambassadors of the foundation and justify the huge investment made in their education.