In its second edition, the Great Ife Alumni Association, Dallas United States of America branch awarded scholarships to 58 students, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to104. The second edition of the Dallas Scholarship Program took place on Tuesday, 18th February 2025, at Oduduwa Hall.
Over the years, the Dallas branch has distinguished itself by constructing Angola Hall and developing buildings and water facilities in Alumni Hall. Launched in 2024, the Dallas Scholarship Program consistently demonstrates its dedication to supporting students amid economic challenges. This branch is making invaluable efforts to help students remain in school and focus on their studies.
Of all the students who received this scholarship award last year, 18 of them completed their programs with outstanding results. This scholarship is vital for enabling students to study without the burden of financial worries.
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Moreover, the university is thrilled to see the Dallas branch’s commitment to renewing the scholarships for the remaining students who have maintained exceptional academic performance while also extending the program to 58 new recipients. This expansion brings the total number of scholarship beneficiaries this year to an impressive 104 students. Professor Daramola further urged recipients to concentrate on their academics.
Mr. Tokunbo Adejuyigbe, the Scholarship Chairman of the Dallas Branch, welcomed the beneficiaries into the Dallas Cohort, emphasizing the importance of introducing them to the cohort mentoring program, which aims to provide holistic support to the recipients. ‘The questions you ask reflect your thinking. It’s a tough world; we want to be there for you. When you look back, we want you to remember Dallas,’ he said.
The G.I.A.A President of the Dallas Branch, Mr Dapo Ajayi, discussed the scholarship application process, noting that the committee received 1,350 applications, including submissions from students at other tertiary institutions. He highlighted the alumni body’s readiness to foster educational support while lamenting the unseriousness of some applicants, citing instances of students submitting selfie-style passport photographs taken in trees and asking questions readily available on the scholarship platform. He urged applicants to seek guidance from past beneficiaries to improve their chances of selection.
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During the event, Professor Yomi Daramola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), who represented the Vice Chancellor, expressed profound gratitude to God and the Dallas Alumni Branch for their commitment to academic excellence.
‘We are delighted to witness the growth of this noble initiative as our university takes pride in having alumni deeply committed to enhancing the experience of our students in various ways,’ he stated.
In an exclusive interview, Mr. Dolapo Ajayi, the G.I.A.A President of the Dallas Branch explained that the purpose of the association, which operates in the diaspora, is to support their alma mater, the esteemed Obafemi Awolowo University. ‘Every action we take is towards giving back to the community, whether through infrastructure improvements or scholarships to students, to ensure they can focus on their education and become the best version of themselves.’ He said that the scholarship initiative is the association’s main goal, and it aims to continue impacting lives until these students graduate and become alumni themselves.
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Additionally, the Dallas branch is one of the components of the USA chapter of the Great Ife Alumni Association, positioning itself as a leader for others to follow. ‘We aim to challenge all other branches in the USA and UK to unite in supporting academically qualified students who possess good character,’ he added.
Regarding the selection process for the scholarship, Mr. Ajayi explained that a scholarship team is responsible for managing the application process each year. They announce the opening of applications on the local branch portal, inviting students to submit various documents, including verified CGPA, resumes, and personal statements. ‘The scholarship is not solely based on having a 5.0 CGPA; we assess the overall application. We undergo a rigorous process to analyze all submissions,’ he stated.
‘If you believe you can win this award, do not assume that being an excellent scholar is enough; you need to bring much more to the table. When you apply, treat it as if you are competing for the best job in the world. Use all the tools available to you to enhance your application. Give yourself a chance and approach it with excellence, as receiving this award can change your life and the lives of others.’
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A beneficiary of the scholarship scheme, Amarachi Uvere, stated, ‘I am immensely grateful to the Great Ife Alumni Association, Dallas Branch. Their scholarship fund has significantly helped me, allowing me to focus on my studies by easing financial burdens. This support has contributed to my monthly upkeep allowance and helped me purchase essential academic materials like manuals and past questions. The scholarship has also been a great source of motivation, encouraging me to continue my hard work. I do not take this opportunity for granted; I feel privileged to be a Dallas Scholar. Thank you, GIAAD!’
In an interview with the current beneficiary, Odugbemi Boluwaji Peter, a 300-level student of Arts and Social Sciences Education, English Unit, said, ‘Filling out the application made me feel fulfilled, as I viewed the scholarship as an opportunity to generate the resources needed to achieve my educational goals and aspirations. My joy doubled when I found out that I was selected as one of the scholarship awardees. I feel fascinated and fulfilled, as I noted earlier. I believe this scholarship will help me attain my academic goals and bring my dreams, vision, and mission to fruition. It will also enable me to be more diligent, disciplined, and devoted to my studies.’
Additionally, Yinusa Hamudat Aivoyin, a 200-level student in the Department of Economics, said, ‘I feel good because this is my first award ever. The application process was somewhat stressful, especially writing the essay; however, tools like Google and ChatGPT were a big help since I’m not very good at English. My sister, who is in the English department, helped me put everything together and guided me on how to write it.’
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Isaiah Adepoju, a part 3 student of Literature-in-English, Faculty of Arts and the Editor-in-Chief of ANA-OAU, a community on campus, stated, ‘This feels like a dream. I won a scholarship in high school, but since then, my self-esteem has declined. This scholarship award is affirming and encouraging. It motivates me to study a bit more and aim a little higher. The award reinforces my belief in myself. Through this scholarship, I gain financial support, a network with fellow scholars, a connection to an organization that tirelessly raises academic standards, and the opportunity to inspire other students to excel and apply for the scholarship.’
The event was attended by several distinguished personalities, including the Vice Chancellor, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Yomi Daramola; the Scholarship Chairman, Mr. Tokunbo Adejuyigbe; the President of the Great Ife Alumni Dallas Branch, Mr. Dolapo Ajayi; representing the Alumni President of Atlanta Branch, Dr Deji Owoyomi; Professor Kayode Atilade; and other members of the alumni body and university management.
In addition, all beneficiaries receive #200,000 per session throughout their academic tenure, provided they maintain good academic performance. They will also be included in the mentorship program of the Dallas Scholars Cohort.