Students’ unions in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State have lauded the council chairman, Hon. Lateef Adebare Lawal Akorede, for reviving the long-abandoned bursary scheme for students of the area, describing the initiative as timely, historic and impactful.
The bursary scheme, which had been dormant for over a decade, was recently disbursed to beneficiaries drawn from different tertiary institutions, cutting across academic levels and disciplines.
Reacting to the development, the Immediate Past President of the National Association of Igangan Students (NAIS), Olanrewaju Basit Olatunde, said the return of the bursary scheme had restored hope to students and reactivated a support system that had been extinct for about 15 years.
Olatunde said, “One of the activities I am most proud of in recent times is the revival of the bursary scheme in Ibarapa North by Hon. Lateef Akorede. This intervention has restored hope to many students and reawakened a long-forgotten support system within the local government.
“Although the bursary could not reach all members of the association, its return remains a dream come true for us. It is a source of collective joy and pride for NAISITES, and we believe it has laid a foundation that will be sustained, expanded and improved upon in the coming years.”
He added that the timing of the bursary distribution, which coincided with the end of his tenure, made the moment particularly fulfilling.
“It is especially meaningful that the distribution formed one of the final activities of my tenure as president. Ending this journey by witnessing students receive this support is humbling and fulfilling,” he said.
Similarly, the Federation of Tapa Students Union (FOTSU National) commended the chairman for what it described as a prompt and generous disbursement after more than 10 years of the scheme’s absence.
In a statement signed by its National President, Adeagbo Boluwatife, the union said the intervention had eased financial pressures on students and demonstrated the chairman’s commitment to education.
Boluwatife said, “After a decade of denial from the local government, this bursary has made a tangible difference in the lives of many deserving students. We appreciate not only the financial assistance but also the encouragement and confidence this gesture has given to us.”
The Federation of Ayete Students Union (FATSU) also joined in commending the initiative, with its President, Comrade Kareem Muyees, describing the revival of the bursary scheme as a clear demonstration of responsive leadership.
The students’ leaders collectively urged the Ibarapa North Local Government to sustain the bursary scheme and ensure its continuity beyond the current administration, noting that rising educational costs have continued to pose challenges for students from rural communities.
