Adeleke Urges Students To Dream Bigger As Osun Rewards WAEC Top Performers

Governor Ademola Adeleke has urged students in Osun State to remain focused and aspire to greater heights, as the state government rewarded outstanding performers in the 2025 West African Examination Council (WAEC) examination.

The event, held at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Hall of Osun State University, was organised by the Osun State Government in partnership with Electronic Collections Group (ECG) under the maiden edition of the Imole SSCE Scholarship Award.

“To our awardees, you are that light. But your light must shine beyond this stage, into your future,” the governor said while addressing beneficiaries at the scholarship presentation ceremony in Osogbo.

Adeleke said the initiative was part of efforts to raise a generation driven by knowledge and excellence, adding that his administration remains committed to honouring achievements from the grassroots to the highest level.

He commended the Ministry of Education, teachers and school administrators for their roles in shaping the students and building their character.

The governor, however, also cautioned residents against vote buying ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state.

“My people of Osun State, Osun is at an unusual time ahead of the August 15 election. Those who hijacked and diverted over N300 billion Osun local government funds are desperate,” he said.

“I charge Osun people to reject Greek gifts, to shun proceeds of crime and use their votes to sustain continuity.

“Osun voters and residents have a sacred duty to reject illegality, political corruption and unconstitutional pressure to subvert democracy. Our votes must further elongate delivery of democratic dividends as witnessed by our people from 2022 to date.”

A total of 31 students drawn from across the 30 local government areas of the state were recognised for academic excellence, with each of the top students receiving N100,000, while the overall best student in the state was awarded a scholarship prize of N1 million.

Teachers who handled the students in the nine WAEC subjects were also rewarded with N50,000 each, while the schools that produced the awardees received educational materials.

While speaking, the Coordinator of ECG, Akinmade Akintoye, said the scholarship programme would be sustained annually to motivate students, teachers and schools.

“Each of the best students in each of the 30 local government areas in the state got N100,000 in this maiden edition of the Imole Scholarship Award. The overall best in the state got a scholarship award of N1 million. This is to encourage future leaders to study well in a world where we have a lot of distractions,” he said.

Akintoye added that teachers of the nine subjects written by the students received N50,000 each, while schools were also supported with educational materials.
He noted that the list of beneficiaries was sourced directly from WAEC headquarters, describing the initiative as part of the governor’s education agenda.

“We all know that before His Excellency came to power, Osun was not doing well in education. But in the first year of his administration, Osun ranked 7th in Nigeria. The education policy of the governor is working despite the challenges,” he added.

Speaking, the overall best student in the state, Ajani Oluwagbotemi Isaac of Ifedore Community Grammar School, Atakumosa East Local Government Area, said the recognition came as a surprise and a relief.

“My mum has been the only one taking care of me since my father is not involved in my welfare and education. It wasn’t easy preparing for the exams; there were times I didn’t eat or sleep. It has finally paid off,” he said.

He appreciated the state government for the support and called for continuity of the initiative, while encouraging other students to remain diligent.

“Hard work pays. Read very well and it will pay off,” he added.