By joshua 
10th anniversary: A total of 3,381 students, undergraduates Benefitted From BBBF scholarship Scheme
Ayo Ola
No fewer than 3,381 students and undergraduates have received scholarships awards from the Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation (BBBF) since its inception in 2014 till date, Co-founder, BBBF, Engineer Pastor Sunday Babalola, has said.
While delivering his address at the 10th scholarship award ceremony in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on Thursday, he stated that 877 students and undergraduates received this year’s scholarships from BBBF.
He explained that the beneficiaries included: 103 students in Junior Secondary School class 3; 140 students in Senior Secondary School class; 338 other secondary school students and 296 tertiary institutions’ undergraduates. He added that scholarships for SSS3 and JSS3 covered their examination fees and normal charges, while the scholarship for undergraduates covered their tuitions and other expenses.
He stated that the current 877 and 2,504 from the first edition to the past 9th editions, totaled the 3381 students and undergraduates, who at least, had benefitted from the scholarship scheme.
Babalola commended his wife, Mrs Christiana Bunmi Babalola, who is a co-founder and co-sponsor of the scheme; their children; the organizing committee, religious and traditional rulers as well as other people involved in the administration of the scheme from its inception to the 10th edition.
He said it is disheartening that Nigeria is still ranked high among countries with high out-of-school children, in spite of the humongous amount announced by successive governments, both at the federal and the state levels, on educational investment.
Noting that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), stated that Nigeria has 20.2 million out-of-school children, the philanthropist called for concerted efforts of all stakeholders to address the challenge.
He particularly called on the government to be alive to its education responsibilities, adding that no nation can grow more than its educational status.
He also decried the high unemployment and underemployment level as well as economic challenges facing Nigerians, especially the out-of-school children.
He said: “These out of school children are posing a lot of threat to Nigeria’s development and security. They pose a lot of threat to everybody. As they are out of school, definitely they will need to survive. It’s not only out of school children, Let’s face it: the children today that have even graduated have no jobs. What do they resort to? They resort to fraud. So these things will continue to happen unless we correct the system They say somebody who is carrying a load who has a k-leg your load is bent.’ He said he didn’t look at the ground. The load is not bent off, it’s bent from the ground. So the ground is very bent and so we are having the problem we are having currently. The out of school syndrome is also robbing Nigeria of a quality pool of human resources that could have helped national development. We need to get right leaders to champion national development.
In her remarks, the co-founder and wife of the initiator, Mrs. Christiana Bunmi Babalola, expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the programme for a decade despite economic challenges. She commended her husband, the organising committee for their unwavering commitment to youth development through education.
Also speaking at the event, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti Akolade Agboluaje II, praised the foundation for its contributions to educational development in the state.
He said “Those who use their resources to help others are the true rich”, adding that Engineer Babalola has brightened many homes through this scholarship initiative.
Similarly, the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, Oba Solomon Oluwagbemiga Oloyede, described the foundation’s efforts as a model for community-driven educational empowerment.
“As a school founder, I know the importance of supporting education,” he said. “This program is a long-term investment that will produce responsible future leaders.”
The National President of the Omu-Aran Development Association, Mr. Omoniyi Adeyeye, urged other wealthy indigenes to emulate the Babalolas.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee, BBBF, Elder Dele Ajiboye, urged the beneficiaries to be diligent, studious and shun anti-social and unwholesome conducts.
Speaking further, Babalola, who is from Kwara State, said there is the need for government to invest more in education in the state. He called for merit in the recruitment of educational personnel to improve on the quality of education.
“We are reminded of the transformative power of education in shaping the future of individuals, communities, and nations. BBBF scholarship program is a shining example of the impact that dedicated individuals and organizations can have on the lives of young people.
“As we reflect on the state of education in Nigeria and the challenges that our young people face in accessing quality education, we need to come to their aid. Education is the bedrock of any society’s development, and it is imperative that we prioritize the education of our youth.
“In Nigeria, we are faced with numerous challenges that affect the quality of education, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, and lack of access to quality educational resources. These challenges are compounded by the issue of lack of access to education commonly called Out-of-school, unemployment and poverty, which affects millions of Nigerians, including our youth. The statistics are alarming.
“According to the UNESCO, Nigeria has 20.2 million out-of-school children, making it one of the countries with the highest number of out-of-school children globally; 98 million children and young people excluded from education in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria being a significant contributor to this number and 28% out-of-school rate for primary school-age children, which has remained relatively constant since 2010.
“The following factors have been identified as contributors to the out-of-school children crisis include: (1) Poverty: Dire economic conditions make education unaffordable for many families (2) Insecurity and insurgency: Ongoing violence and displacement in certain regions hinder access to education. (3) Cultural and traditional beliefs: Some families prioritize boys’ education over girls. (4) Inadequate infrastructure: Overcrowded classrooms and lack of basic amenities discourage children from attending school.
“These statistics highlight the need for comprehensive reforms and targeted interventions to address the systemic issues driving the out-of-school children crisis in Nigeria and in Kwara State.
“Also according to recent reports, Nigeria’s unemployment rate stands at over 33%, with youth unemployment being even higher. This has severe implications for our economy and our society as a whole. When young people are not equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to secure meaningful employment, it can lead to a cycle of poverty and disillusionment.
“However, I am heartened by the efforts of organizations like ours – BBBF – which are working tirelessly to address these challenges. By providing scholarships to deserving pupils and students, the foundation is not only alleviating the financial burden on families but also empowering young people to reach their full potential.
“As we celebrate this milestone, I urge us all to reflect on the broader issues that affect our nation. We need to think critically about how we can work together to address the challenges of unemployment, poverty, and educational inequality. We need to harness the energy and creativity of our youth to drive innovation and progress in our society.
“May I appeal to the Kwara State Government to invest more in the education of our pupils and students. There is the need to provide better environment for learning. The classrooms should be in better condition with more security. The staff should be better paid and well motivated. I also wish to call on the government and other relevant authorities including security agencies to address the growing security challenges in the state.
“To the pupils and students who are receiving scholarships today, I want to say that this award is not just a recognition of your academic achievements but also a testament to your potential to make a positive impact in the world. I urge you to seize this opportunity with both hands, to work hard, and to strive for excellence in all that you do.
“As you pursue your educational journey, I encourage you to be mindful of the challenges that our nation faces. Be part of the solution. Be innovative, be creative, and be driven by a desire to make a positive difference in the world. Remember that education is not just about personal achievement; it is also about contributing to the development of our society.
“Be good ambassadors of your families, communities, religious organization, Kwara State, Nigeria and this foundation. Avoid anti-social and criminal indulgence including, cultism, prostitution, hooliganism, stealing etc. Such untoward behaviours will rather retard your growth or even lead to your untimely death. We do not want you to die early and waste your God given potential or retard your development.
“Sustaining this scholarship award has not been easy moreso with the harsh economic situation across the globe and Nigeria. God has been our sustainer. We give Him all the glory. I also appreciate my co-founder and co-sponsor, my dearly beloved wife, Mrs Christiana Bunmi Babalola, for her unwavering support to this foundation and other of our philanthropic activities.
“To the BBBF Organising Committee, I express my deepest gratitude for your commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders. Your efforts are a shining example of the impact that philanthropy and community-driven initiatives can have on the lives of young people.”
He added: “As we move forward, I urge us all to continue working together to address the challenges that our nation faces. Let us prioritize education, let us invest in our youth, and let us strive to create a society that is more just, more equitable, and more prosperous for all.
“I would like to congratulate all the pupils and students who are receiving scholarships today. May this award be a stepping stone to greater achievements, and may you go on to make a positive impact in the world.
“To the BBBF Organising Committee, thank you for your tireless efforts to empower the next generation of leaders. May our work continue to inspire and uplift our youth, and may we all work together to build a brighter future for our nation.
“Let us not forget that education is the key to unlocking the potential of our youth and driving progress in our society. Let us continue to prioritize education, and let us work together to create a future that is brighter, more prosperous, and more just for all.”