Saraki’s Scholarship Fund Uplifts Kwara South Students, Sparks Hope for a Brighter Future * Beneficiaries Celebrate New Opportunities
By Omowumi Omotosho
Beneficiaries of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, (ABS, Foundation) Educational Support Fund in tertiary institutions in Kwara South have showered encomium on the financier, the former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, for his academic scholarship.
The beneficiaries which included students of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State College of Health Technology Offa, Kwara State School of Nursing Oke-Ode and Kwara State College of Education Oro, noted that the scholarship offers them the opportunity to secure a desired future with sound education without financial burden.
Beneficiaries include male and female pursuing programmes in Medical Science, Nursing Science, Public and Community Health, Engineering, Education, Arts, and other areas.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries from Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, the President, Igbomina Students Union of the institution, Abdulramon Oyindamola Balikis, lauded Saraki for his generosity and commitment towards education.
She described the scholarship programme as a game-changer for many students, particularly ladies who face significant economic challenges in their academic pursuit.
According to her, Saraki’s gesture in the areas of Education, Healthcare, Digital Skills Training, and Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition demonstrates a profound commitment to holistic development.
“Your foundation’s efforts have positively impacted many lives, and we’re grateful for your visionary leadership.
“By providing financial assistance to deserving students, you’re alleviating the financial burden associated with pursuing higher education and empowering us to achieve our academic aspirations.
“We appreciate everything you’ve done for us, and we’re confident that this scholarship will enable us to make a positive impact in our communities,” she said.
Also speaking, the President, Igbomina National Students Union, Federal Polytechnic Offa Chapter, Abdulrasaq Taofeeq Opeyemi, expressed gratitude to Saraki for his kindness, generosity, and commitment to empowering students.
He stated that the gesture has not only afforded the beneficiaries the opportunity to acquire education which could have eluded them due to financial constraints, it has also shaped the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow.
He said, “Your support has made a significant impact on our lives, and we’re grateful for your investment in our future.
“Thank you for believing in us and providing opportunities for us to pursue our educational goals. Your foundation has been a source of hope and inspiration to many.
The beneficiaries who sang Saraki’s praise, prayed Allah to bless him with continued success, prosperity, and good health.
They also prayed for the ABS Foundation to continue to flourish and achieve success.
In his response, Saraki expressed happiness that the ABS Foundation 2024/2025 scholarship programme is serving the purpose for which it was created.
He also said it was humbling to listen to the testimonies of the beneficiaries.
The former Senate President maintained that education remains the most effective tool to fight poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment, hence his advocacy on the need to invest, protect and make it accessible to all.
“As we continue to invest in the young minds who will one day shape the future for the better, we must all continue to believe that every young person, when given the opportunity, has the power to transform their communities, their states — and indeed, the entire nation,” he said.
Saraki congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to utilize the opportunity for their development.
