Abiodun’s Education Support Programme Expands To 1,277 Students
….Introduces Digital Skills, Business Grants
The Gbemiga Abiodun Education Support Programme of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has increased its beneficiaries from 831 to 1,277 for the 2026/2027 academic session, introducing entrepreneurship support and digital skills training to promote youth empowerment and self-reliance.
The programme, established in memory of the governor’s late son, Gbemiga Abiodun, will support students across primary, secondary, technical and tertiary institutions, while extending its interventions to business development and technology-driven skills.
Governor Abiodun announced the expansion at the fourth edition of the programme on Friday, October 9, 2026, disclosing that 831 beneficiaries received scholarships worth ₦99.1 million during the 2025/2026 award year.
Under the new arrangement, 336 primary school pupils, 584 secondary school students, 83 technical college students and 274 tertiary institution students will benefit from the scheme.
The governor said the latest award cycle had been extended to all nine local government areas in Ogun East Senatorial District to widen access to educational opportunities.
He disclosed that the application process attracted more than 3,000 online applications, including over 1,500 from Ogun East indigenes.
Following the selection process, 150 new tertiary institution beneficiaries were chosen, while 124 continuing beneficiaries brought the total number of tertiary scholarship recipients to 274.
Beyond scholarships, the programme will assist 80 Senior Secondary School Three students preparing for their examinations and transition to higher education through its UTME and SSCE Support Programme.
The intervention will cover assistance with Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration, revision and practice through the LearnOn WhatsApp platform, as well as continued engagement with students and their parents.
Abiodun said the initiative was designed to ease the financial burden on families while equipping young people with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills required to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to society.
20 Beneficiaries To Receive ₦250,000 Business Support
As part of efforts to promote entrepreneurship, the programme will introduce business start-up support for graduating technical college and tertiary institution beneficiaries with viable business ideas.
Under the initiative, 20 selected beneficiaries will receive business development training, mentorship and start-up support of up to ₦250,000 each.
The governor said the intervention built on the encouraging results recorded among technical college beneficiaries, who have been receiving ₦150,000 each to acquire basic equipment needed for their training.
According to him, some of the beneficiaries are already practising their trades, undertaking paid assignments and improving their livelihoods, demonstrating the value of combining vocational education with practical tools.
The programme will also introduce digital skills training for 30 selected tertiary institution beneficiaries.
The training will cover digital marketing, software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and user interface and user experience design.
The initiatives are expected to strengthen beneficiaries’ prospects for employment, entrepreneurship and financial independence.
Abiodun: We Are Turning Grief Into Opportunities
Explaining the motivation behind the initiative, the governor said the programme reflected his family’s determination to transform the pain of losing their son into opportunities for young people whose education might otherwise be disrupted by financial hardship.
“Nothing can replace Gbemiga. But through this programme, our love for him reaches young people whose education might otherwise be interrupted by hardship,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the Foundation’s Board and Management, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, teachers, school administrators, community leaders, partners and supporters for sustaining and expanding the programme.
The governor also urged parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children’s education by monitoring their academic progress, encouraging them and maintaining close communication with their teachers.
Education Commissioner Commends Initiative
The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, commended the programme for helping students overcome financial barriers to education.
He urged the beneficiaries to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their studies, stressing the importance of education in developing the knowledge and skills needed for personal growth and societal development.
The programme coordinator, Reverend Bola Oyeledun, highlighted its growing reach, particularly the extension to all nine local government areas in Ogun East Senatorial District, which has broadened access for eligible students.
Lamisa Abiodun, sister of the late Gbemiga, congratulated the beneficiaries and encouraged them, especially those in technical colleges, to take their training seriously and apply their skills productively.
She emphasised that vocational education could prepare young people for employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
Established in honour of Gbemiga Abiodun, the programme seeks to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent young people from pursuing their educational ambitions.
Governor Abiodun expressed the hope that the initiative would continue to expand, reach more students and ensure that no child’s potential was limited by the financial circumstances of their family.
