By Law Ibitoye
The Osatuyi Olusegun Support Initiative has paid N4,792,450 school fees for 24 indigent students of tertiary institutions across Nigeria for the 2026/2027 academic session, in a move aimed at promoting academic excellence and easing the financial burden on students and their parents in Ilupeju Ekiti.
The beneficiaries, comprising 13 males and 11 females, of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State University (EKSU), Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), College of Health Technology, Ijero-Ekiti, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Best Solution Polytechnic, Akure, and Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke.
The founder and President of the foundation ,Mr Michael Olusegun Osatuyi Jnr, said education is the bedrock of societal development and urged the beneficiaries to regard the intervention as an investment in their future. He encouraged them to repay the gesture through hard work, discipline and integrity, while assuring them of the foundation’s commitment to promoting human welfare and community development. He also urged parents to continue encouraging their children to pursue education despite the prevailing economic challenges.
Mr Osatuyi was represented by the Chairman of the Management Committee of the initiative, Pastor Olu Olosunde at the public presentation of the first batch of beneficiaries held at the Civic Centre Hall, Ilupeju Ekiti on Saturday. He said the founder approved the payment of the students’ school fees ranging from N250,000 to N600,000, depending on the institution and course of study.
The Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti, Oba Sunday David Awe Akingbade, commended Osatuyi for his philanthropic contributions to the community, described him as a worthy son of Ilupeju Ekiti who is known for kindness and positive impact. The monarch prayed for the continued prosperity of the sponsor
and all sons and daughters of Ilupeju Ekiti for their contributions to the rapid development of the community. The monarch urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the opportunity to advance their education.
Also, President of the Ilupeju Youth Development Association (IYDA), Comrade Lawrence Ibitoye, applauded the initiative, noting that although several individuals and organisations had supported students in the community, the Osatuyi initiative was particularly comprehensive because it covered the beneficiaries’ school fees for an entire academic session. He described the intervention as a major relief to parents and urged other well-meaning sons and daughters of Ilupeju Ekiti to emulate the gesture.
Ibitoye further advised the beneficiaries to shun distractions capable of affecting their academic performance, urging them to strive for excellence and become good ambassadors of Ilupeju Ekiti. He also commended the foundation for paying the funds directly to the respective institutions, saying the approach would help ensure that the financial support was used strictly for its intended purpose rather than being diverted to other needs.
A member of the management committee, Mrs Adeleye Cecilia Jemiseye, explained that the programme was established to encourage academic excellence and support indigent students in achieving their educational aspirations.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Kofoworola Salako, Blessing Ibigbami Korede and Ogunyemi Favour expressed appreciation to the sponsor and management of the initiative for financial assistance. They pledged to make judicious use of the opportunity and remain committed to their studies.
Among the dignitaries at the presentation were High Chief Ajayi Sunday, the Elese of Ilupeju Ekiti; High Chief Olu Aduloju, the Oloja Iloro; and High Chief Williams Adeleye, Oloja Urometa, among other community leaders, parents and guests.