In a remarkable act of generosity, student teachers from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, have awarded scholarships in the form of school fee payments to 14 deserving students of Oluorogbo High School, Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Road 7, Ile-Ife. This initiative was entirely planned and funded by the Teaching Practice (TP) students and has been hailed as a rare and inspiring event in the school’s history.
During the presentation, the school principal, Mrs Ajayi Oluwakemi, expressed her deep appreciation and surprise at the initiative. In an interview, she stated, ‘When they came to tell me that they had a plan like this for our students, I was taken aback. In my 27 to 28 years of experience in the teaching profession, I have never encountered a group of student teachers who did something like this. I even asked them, ‘You are students; where will you get the money to do this?’ But they said they just felt compelled to help.’
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Mrs Ajayi noted that this was not the first time OAU’s student teachers have reached out to less privileged students at the school. ‘Even last year, they bought uniforms for some students when they noticed their financial challenges,’ she added. ‘So, I consider this a welcome development. The school is very pleased about it.’
She emphasised that the financial assistance would significantly impact the lives of the beneficiaries, some of whom were at risk of dropping out of school due to the inability to pay fees as low as ₦5,000. ‘Without the money they provided, some of these students would have been forced to leave school. One student could not write an exam because she couldn’t pay ₦5,000 after three attempts. So, for them to come and cover these students’ fees is a huge relief for their parents. We are extremely grateful.’
The principal also offered prayers and encouragement to the student teachers, saying, ‘I want them to continue doing good because it’s a wonderful gesture. For them to choose to make a positive impact even while they are still students, we pray that God will bless them and help them succeed in all their endeavours.’
She expressed that the school already missed the student teachers, stating, ‘We are already missing them. I told the president this morning how much we miss their presence. However, he mentioned that some of them would return next year. We hope God continues to meet their needs.’
Beneficiaries Express Joy
The scholarship recipients could hardly contain their excitement. Oladele Oluwanifemi, an SS2 Art student, exclaimed, ‘I am so happy to be selected as one of the beneficiaries! When I told my dad, he was thrilled too. This motivates me to study harder and stay focused. I aspire to be a professional footballer, and this scholarship has inspired me to give back to the community when I grow up.’
Adeniran Gbotemi from SS1 Art shared similar sentiments: ‘I am overjoyed, and my mom was equally happy. I want to become a lawyer, and this scholarship encourages me to pursue my dream. I want to thank the organisers and promise to give back to the community someday.’
Abayomi Joshua, another SS1 student, noted that the scholarship brought relief to his parents. ‘I want to become an actor, and this support motivates me to work harder,’ he said.
Daisi Nifemi (JSS3) expressed her delight: ‘I aspire to become a doctor, and this scholarship will help me pursue that dream.’
Similarly, Famoriyo Muibat (SS1 Art) stated, ‘I was thrilled when I was selected, and my parents were ecstatic. I want to be a journalist, and I know this scholarship will help me achieve that goal.’
Odejide Sunday (SS1 Science) added, ‘My mom was so happy. She even said she would come to thank them personally. If I achieve great things one day, I will make sure to give back to society.’
The Inspiration Behind the Initiative
Nasir Hameed Olajide, the principal student teacher and Deputy Speaker of the Great Ife Students’ Union, elucidated the inspiration behind the project. ‘As students in the Faculty of Education, we have faced financial challenges ourselves. During our previous teaching practice, we noticed that some students could not afford proper uniforms, so we raised funds to buy uniforms for about 30 students. This year, we observed that many couldn’t pay their school fees, and some had to repeat classes due to this issue. That was what inspired us.’
Olajide shared that the group raised over ₦100,000 through contributions from 22 student teachers. Some contributed ₦1,000, others ₦5,000, and some even ₦10,000. We are just 22, but we wanted to make a meaningful impact. We covered full school fees for some students and partial fees for others based on their needs,’ he explained.
He emphasised that their initiative was driven by compassion and collaboration rather than wealth. ‘There are many ways to make a difference in people’s lives beyond just providing financial support. It can be done through mentorship or encouragement. I advise other student teachers to find ways to contribute positively wherever they serve,’ he added.
Committee Members Reflect on the Experience
The chairman of the scholarship committee, Aliu Richard, and financial secretary Ayinola Adenike described the project as a selfless effort motivated by a love for education. ‘What inspired us were the organisers themselves,’ Richard stated. ‘Many of them are eager to learn but face financial obstacles. Instead of just teaching, we wanted to make a significant difference in their lives.’
Ayinola noted that teamwork and support from colleagues facilitated a smooth process. ‘Everyone contributed wholeheartedly. The principal prayed for us sincerely, and our supervisor, Dr Omiyefa, expressed pride in our efforts. It required sacrifice, but it was worthwhile,’ she reflected.
Richard expressed his desire to continue helping others in the future. ‘I plan to start my own NGO, one day, and organise programs that support students’ mental health and education,’ he mentioned.
A Legacy of Kindness and Inspiration
The Oluorogbo High School scholarship initiative by OAU student teachers stands as an exemplary model of leadership, empathy, and community service. Beyond teaching, these young educators have demonstrated that true education is rooted in compassion.
As Mrs Ajayi summed it up: ‘Their acts of kindness have not only kept students in school but have also provided them with hope for a brighter future. We are proud of them and pray that God rewards their sacrifices.’