In what could be described as an unprecedented intervention in the education sector, the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Mallam Saliu Mustapha, has awarded full university scholarship worth over N300million to 300 indigent students.
The initiative, identified as first of its kind in the state, aims at breaking financial barrier and promoting access to quality higher education among brilliant but less privileged children in the legislator’s Kwara Central Senatorial District and beyond.
The annual scholarship programme, launched last year with 200 beneficiaries, has now expanded its reach, reinforcing Senator Mustapha’s commitment to human capital development and youth empowerment.
Speaking to Journalists in Ilorin on Monday, the Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, Prof. Binta Sulyman, announced that payment of tuition fees for the beneficiaries commenced on Saturday and completed on Sunday.
She emphasized that the scheme is strictly merit-based, stating that every recipient scored 250 and above in the JAMB UTME, and all were selected from across the four local government areas of Kwara Central.
According to her, the scholarship will cover their tuition fees from first year to final year, strictly in Kwara-based tertiary institutions.
“The goal is to create equal opportunities. These students have shown academic excellence, and we are determined to ensure that finances do not hinder their dreams,” Prof. Sulyman said.
She urged the beneficiaries to remain focused, excel academically, and justify the investment made in their future.
The Secretary of the Committee, Comrade Yakub Ishowo, disclosed that the beneficiaries have been admitted into institutions such as the University of Ilorin, Kwara State University, Kwara State University of Education, and the University of Offa.
He added that a monitoring framework has been established to track their academic performance throughout their studies.
Parents of the beneficiaries praised Senator Mustapha for the historic gesture, describing it as a life-changing intervention that will ease their economic burden and uplift entire households.
Sheikh Usman AbdulRahman Yasin, who spoke on behalf of parents, said many families would not have been able to afford university tuition due to the prevailing economic reality.
“We pray for divine guidance and blessings upon Senator Mustapha for remembering the less privileged. This scholarship has brought relief to our homes,” the Islamic scholar said.
Other parents also commended the merit-driven selection process, noting that it promotes hard work and renews hope across the community.
Representing the beneficiaries, Amirah Suleiman and AbdulAzeem Muhammed expressed joy and appreciation, promising not to disappoint the Senator or their families.
They said, “This opportunity will go a long way in shaping our future. We are profoundly grateful.”
