The Saleeman Adedoyin Saleeman (SAS) Foundation has awarded educational scholarships to 200 students and donated over 1,000 exercise books, four marker boards and other essential writing materials to selected schools in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The Chairman of the SAS Foundation, Engr. Saleeman Adedoyin Saleeman, announced the scholarship initiative on Monday in Ilorin during an ongoing tour of schools as part of the foundation’s educational outreach programme aimed at promoting academic excellence, encouraging young learners and supporting students from financially disadvantaged households.
Among the beneficiary schools are Government Girls’ Day Junior Secondary School, Oko-Erin, and Mandate Secondary School, Apalara, both in Ilorin.
Speaking during the visits, Engr. Saleeman urged the students to take their education seriously, irrespective of their family backgrounds or present circumstances. He encouraged them not to allow their environment or financial limitations to determine their future, stressing that education and acquired knowledge remain critical to achieving their ambitions.
“Your limitation does not determine your future, and your environment does not determine your future. Your education and the knowledge you have acquired will determine your future,” he told the students.
Recalling his elementary days in IQRA Primary School, Engr. Saleeman encouraged the pupils to remain focused and believe in their potential to excel in their chosen careers.
Addressing students of Government Girls’ Day Junior Secondary School, the SAS Foundation chairman particularly urged the girls to pursue their education with determination and never underestimate their abilities because of their gender. He described women as vital contributors to societal development and encouraged the students to aspire to greater heights.
He, meanwhile, expressed optimism that some of the students could become medical doctors, engineers and even presidents, noting that education would open doors to opportunities beyond their immediate environment, including opportunities abroad.
Speaking on the foundation’s interventions, its Director-General, Mallam Muslim Saleeman, disclosed that since its establishment in 2025, the organisation had supported less privileged children across Kwara State with school fees and educational materials.
He explained that the foundation was established to provide succour to vulnerable people, adding that thousands of notebooks had been distributed across the state as part of its efforts to promote education and ease the financial burden on parents.
The Principal of Mandate Secondary School, Hajia Omomeji Silifat Sobalaje, commended the SAS Foundation chairman for the initiative, describing it as a significant contribution to the educational development of the students. She urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity and embrace the spirit of generosity by giving back to society when they become successful.
Similarly, one of the student beneficiaries, Issa Hamidat, expressed gratitude to the SAS Foundation for the scholarships and educational materials. She prayed for God’s continued blessings and financial upliftment for the chairman to enable him to extend more support to the less privileged.
The Principal of Government Girls’ Day Junior Secondary School, Oko-Erin, AbdulRahman Afusat Pakata, also appreciated the philanthropic gesture, praying for God’s continued upliftment of the chairman and greater capacity to do more for society.
The ongoing educational outreach underscores the SAS Foundation’s commitment to easing the financial burden of education on parents, promoting academic excellence and creating opportunities for young people to realise their full potential.