By joshua 
Eulogies over BBBF’s scholarship awards to 3,381 beneficiaries in Kwara
Ayo Ola
Traditional rulers, parents, and beneficiaries have expressed relief excitement and happiness over the award of scholarship to Kwara State indigenes, especially undergraduates and students from Kwara South Senatorial District and even far away Baruteen Local Government Area of the state by the Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation (BBBF).
They also poured encomium on the Co-founder and co-sponsor of the foundation, Engineer Pastor Sunday Adebayo Babalola and his darling, delectable and God-fearing wife, Pastor Christiana Bunmi Babalola, who also is a co-founder and co-sponsor, for their investments in the scholarship scheme, and other philanthropic outreaches.
Speaking during the 10th edition of the scholarship ceremony on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Omu-Aran City Hall in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti Akolade Agboluaje II, commended the foundation for its continued support and investments for the educational advance of the senatorial district.
He said that the impact of the scheme was being felt beyond the community. He noted that some of the past beneficiaries of the scheme have not only excelled in their academics and even graduated from their academic institutions but are doing well in their chosen careers.
He stated that the scheme via the scholarships and other education interventions has given relief to the beneficiaries, their parents and communities. He added that BBBF has elevated the entire senatorial district.
Oba Oleyede said: “Educated people are light to their families. When a child finds help, it changes the story of that family. This foundation has illuminated many homes.”
The Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, Oba Solomon Oluwagbemiga Oloyede, said BBBF has been exemplary in education support, noting that such interventions are priceless. He said that the foundation is a model for community-driven educational empowerment.
The National President of the Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), Mr. Omoniyi Adeyeye, said BBBF has been a blessing to the area. He called on other well-meaning and wealthy indigenes of the state to emulate the Babalolas by contributing to educational development and investing in other philanthropic outreaches.
One of the current beneficiaries, Azeez Ayoola, said the scholarship is a huge relief considering the current economic challenges. He added that it will help the beneficiaries to concentrate on their studies without worrying about tuition fees and some other academic financial demands.
Another recipient from Baruteen LGA, Ibrahim Abdulmumin said he was grateful to the foundation for extending the scholarship to the LGA.
A parent, Mrs. Rachael Babatunde Mopelola, whose daughter was among the current beneficiaries said the scheme is a great blessing to the senatorial district.
She stated that the intervention has lifted a huge financial burden off the beneficiaries and their families, adding that it will make the students and undergraduates concentrate on their academics.
The Chairman of the BBBF Organising Committee, Elder Ajiboye, said he was fulfilled to be a part of the scheme. He noted that many people whose academic pursuits could have been truncated had been relieved through BBBF’s intervention. He added that the foundation is a beacon of hope for the less privileged.
He commended the Co-founder and co-sponsor of the foundation, Engineer Pastor Sunday Adebayo Babalola and his darling, delectable and God-fearing wife, Pastor Christiana Bunmi Babalola, who also is a co-founder and co-sponsor of the scheme.
Beneficiaries of past editions also commended BBBF for its educational investments.
Alabi Eyitayo Ifeoluwa, Esq stated: “To God be the glory for the incredible things He has done through Engineer Bayo Babalola and the Bunmi Educational Scholarship Foundation. I want to express my sincere gratitude for your outstanding generosity in awarding scholarships to many individuals in Kwara South, myself included.
“The scholarship support came at a perfect and much-needed time, making a significant difference in my life and the lives of countless others. The thoughtfulness and selflessness displayed by the foundation are truly extraordinary and rare.
I am deeply grateful for the kindness and willingness of the foundation to extend a helping hand. Through your efforts, many lives have been positively transformed, and I am proud to be a testament to the lasting impact of your generosity.
“Thank you, Sir and Ma, for your remarkable and unforgettable support. May God continue to bless and elevate the foundation, and may you and your family be richly rewarded for your immense contributions to bettering lives.”
Olarewaju Gbemisola said: “I was a student of Federal university Oye Ekiti. I was opportuned to get the scholarship of BBBF. Trust me, the money did a lot for my education. I was able to pay for my project fees and faculty level and still had something left for my pocket money. I’m really grateful to them for this opportunity and I’m saying a very big thank you. God bless you and provide more for your family.
Asaolu Praise Oluwatobi, a final year student studying Architecture at
Federal University of Technology, Minna and a native of Iloga in Oke-Ero LGA of
KWARA State, Nigeria said: ”I wish to express my gratitude to God, who has used and still using Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation to bless me financially, towards my academic fulfilment through the scholarship awards I had received from their Foundation.
“Your generosity and commitment to empowering students like me have made a great significant impact on my academic journey. Your investment in my education gave me a sense of purpose and motivation, to learning and developing myself, to be able to impact society positively in all areas of life.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I am committed to making the most of this unprecedented opportunity. Thank you BBBF for believing in me and for your unwavering commitment to education for all. I look forward to staying in touch and sharing my progress with you. God will continually bless and enrich your organization and continue to guide you as you touch the lives of countless students. Thanks for this rare opportunity and grace. Kudos to the Coordinators of this laudable program.”
Akanbi Abdulmutakeem Idowu,President, Nigerian Students Union, Pakistan and former President, Omu Aran Students’ Union, 2019; said: “I am honored to share my heartfelt testimony as one of the first beneficiaries of the Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Bursary in Omu Aran. This initiative has been a beacon of hope and a strong pillar of support for many students, including myself.
“As a young student striving for academic excellence, financial challenges often stood in the way of my dreams. However, the bursary provided by Engineer Sunday Babalola was not just a financial aid—it was a statement of belief in our potential. It reassured us that hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of knowledge would always be recognized and rewarded.
Receiving this bursary in my time as a student was a turning point. It eased my academic burdens and motivated me to push beyond my limits. The impact of this support did not stop at financial relief; it instilled in me a sense of responsibility to give back to society, just as Engineer Sunday Babalola has done selflessly.
“Today, as the President of the Nigerian Students’ Union in Pakistan, I carry with me the lessons of generosity, leadership, and the power of education. The bursary was more than assistance; it was an investment in my future and the future of many others. I remain eternally grateful to Engineer Sunday Babalola for his vision, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the educational growth of Omu Aran students. May this initiative continue to touch lives and inspire generations to come.”
The Co-founder, BBBF, Mrs. Christiana Bunmi Babalola, said BBBF initiated the scholarship scheme to empower students, reduce educational inequality, and support the development of young leaders in Kwara South.
She expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the programme for a decade despite economic challenges.
She also commended her husband for their joint efforts in the scheme.
No fewer than 877 students and undergraduates yesterday received scholarships from the Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation (BBBF).
Babalola stated that 3381 students and undergraduates had benefited from the scheme from its inception to the 10th edition. He explained that 2,504 benefitted from the first edition to the past 9th editions and 877 in the current edition.
He stated that in the current ceremony which is the 10th edition, 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 institution undergraduates. He added that scholarships for SS3 and JSS3 covered their examination fees and normal charges, while the scholarship for undergraduates covered their tuition and other expenses.
He commended his wife, Bunmi, their children; the organizing committee, religious and traditional 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 Children’s Fund estimates that currently there are 18.3 million children in Nigeria who are out of school, 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 and a lot of things will still be. 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 said to somebody who is carrying a load who has a key 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 So 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 the right leaders to man the national development.
Babalola, who is from Kwara State, said there is a need for the government to invest more in education in the state. He called for merit in the recruitment of educational personnel to improve the quality of education.
“We are reminded of the transformative power of education in shaping the future of individuals, communities, and nations. The Bunmi and Bayo Babalola Foundation’s 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. As we all know, 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 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (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 – Bunmi and Bayo Babalola Foundation – 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 these scholarship awards 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 Bunmi and Bayo Babalola Foundation 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.
“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 Bunmi and Bayo Babalola Foundation and the 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.”