Osun: Charleans In Diaspora Awards Students, Teachers With Cash For Academic Excellence

By Tosin Olasunkanmi, Osogbo

Outstanding students and teachers of St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo, received over ₦3 million in cash awards and scholarships on Wednesday as the school’s
Old Boys Association-Diaspora honoured academic excellence and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting quality education and infrastructure development at the institution.

More than 10 teachers and 50 students of the school benefited from the cash rewards.

CityMirrorNews reports that organisers of the programme are CHARLEANS IN DIASPORA INCORPORATED consisting of alumni of St Charles Grammar School, Osogbo who are based in America, Europe, Asia and other parts of the world.

The awards were presented during the school’s annual Achievement Awards ceremony held at the school premises, where alumni from Nigeria and the diaspora celebrated exceptional academic performance while encouraging students to embrace hard work, discipline and excellence.

Speaking during the presentation of cash to the beneficiaries held at the school premises on Wednesday, SCOBA-Diaspora President, Mudashiru Adeosun, said cash prizes were given to outstanding students and teachers in all subjects in Junior and Senior Secondary School classes.

Adeosun said the annual award was to encourage students and teachers in order to maintain the standard of the school and put it as one of the best public secondary schools in Nigeria.

He stated, “The award we are giving today is about three million naira. We are giving to different students and teachers. This money was from old students, and we give this award according to subjects. All the subjects were captured.

“We are here to do achievement award for the best performing students and teachers. It is an annual award that we normally give to encourage students and even the teachers, so as to maintain the standard of the school.

“We do a lot of things apart from the award. We also do renovations of classrooms, the environment, erosion prevention, restoration of infrastructures, computer, laboratory and information technology centre. Wherever we see a shortfall, we cover it.”

Adeosun further said the award was to give back to their alma mater, adding that the current students do not enjoy some of the opportunities they had while in school.

“We want to give back, and this is just a token considering what we benefited. Many of us benefited from free education, and we didn’t even have to pay. I didn’t have to buy any textbooks or pay for anything.

“Because some of the students today don’t have such opportunities, we try to cover that for them. The society has blessed us, and we have to give back to society also,” Adeosun added.

Also speaking, immediate past SCOBA-Diaspora President, Mr. Yemi Ajijolaiya, said the standard of public examinations had not declined, arguing that the major challenge was the level of commitment among today’s students.

He urged governments to accord greater priority to education, noting that no nation could achieve sustainable development without investing in its young people.

Ajijolaiya added that the Old Students Association would continue to complement government efforts through regular interventions in the school.

Also speaking, association’s Secretary General, Alhaji Kazeem Adetunji, remarked that the Charleans In Diaspora Incorporated was ready to support all students of the school who succeeds in gaining admission to study medicine any public university in Nigeria with a sum of one hundred thousands Naira on annual basis for six years.

Speaking at the event, the Global Principal of the school, Mr. Toyin Ajayi, described the initiative as a major source of motivation for students, saying it would inspire them to strive for academic excellence.

He said the awards were proof that diligence and commitment to studies always attract rewards.

“I deliberately assembled all the students so that those who are not serious would realise that there is reward for hard work. What is happening today is a great encouragement to our students,” he said.

Ajayi commended members of the Old Students Association for their sustained commitment to the development of the school through numerous intervention projects.

According to him, since he assumed office in 2024, over 60 projects facilitated by old students have been executed within the school, including the construction of a stadium by the late General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, an e-library, environmental beautification and other infrastructural improvements.

“It is a thing of pride for me to return to this school after 42 years as its principal. I never imagined this would happen.

The Charleans in Diaspora continue to invest their resources in making this school better, and we are grateful,” he said.

The principal, who is expected to retire in November, disclosed that three additional major projects were underway, expressing appreciation to the alumni for their unwavering support.

He also highlighted welfare initiatives introduced under his leadership, including the distribution of 100 school uniforms, 75 pairs of shoes and 300 pairs of socks to indigent students to encourage learning.
Urging students to remain focused, Ajayi stressed that discipline remained the foundation of academic success.

“There is no gain in rascality. The real reward is in acquiring education. Be disciplined, be studious and make the most of the opportunities before you,” he advised.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the recognition of SS2 science student, Lateef Quadri, who emerged as the highest award recipient.

Expressing appreciation, Quadri credited his success to hard work, self-belief and the unwavering support of his mother.

“I am very happy and grateful to the organisers. My mother has always inspired me and supported my education. I studied hard and believed in myself. I encourage other students to face their studies because it truly matters,” he said.

The ceremony attracted students, teachers, alumni and other stakeholders, who applauded the continued commitment of St. Charles old students, both at home and abroad, to promoting academic excellence and the overall development of their alma mater.