‘DREAM COMING TRUE’ FOR GOV ABDULRAZAQ AS KWARA TRUST FUND BANKROLLS SECONDARY EDUCATION OF 12 OUTSTANDING PUPILS IN UNITY SCHOOL
September 17, 2025
KWARAETF COMMENDS GOVERNOR ABDULRAZAQ’S APPROVAL OF ANNUAL GRANTS FOR PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS
October 7, 2025
The Kwara State Education Trust Fund (KwaraETF), in partnership with KwaraLEARN, has officially welcomed the first 12 beneficiaries of its Scholarship Program.
The selection followed a rigorous process from 640 pupils in a statewide mock exam, to 180 shortlisted for the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), to 36 top performers, and now 12 pupils who secured admission offers into Federal Unity Colleges across Nigeria.
At the orientation held on September 16, 2025, the pupils and their families were surprised encouraged by a visit from the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for every child.
Delivering the programme overview, Zainab Abdulsalam Programme Manager at KwaraETF, reflected on the journey that led to scholarship’s creation, highlighting how many exceptionally bright pupils had emerged through KwaraLEARN’S assessments and the need to sustain their academic journey.
“This programme was created to nurture brilliance and unlock potential. These children have already shown remarkable promise, and this scholarship ensures they have the opportunity and support to go even further. How they shine will inspire and open doors for many more children after them.”
Representing the Managing Director of KwaraLEARN, Tunde Onisola, Director, Policy and Partnership, commended the pupils for their exceptional performance and thanked the Governor for his unwavering support for education reform in Kwara State.
“We are immensely proud of these young scholars who have distinguished themselves through hard work and resilience from amongst over two hundred thousand pupils. Their success shows what is possible when the government, institutions, and communities come together to give every child a fair chance to succeed. We thank His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for creating the enabling environment that makes this kind of collaboration possible.”
Among the selected beneficiaries was Jamiu Jimoh, whose exceptional performance earned him a place in this first cohort. Sadly, Jamiu passed away before he could begin his secondary school journey. While we mourn this loss deeply, we are also determined to honor his legacy. In his memory, the Fund has established the Jamiu Jimoh Memorial Scholarship, awarded to another deserving pupil, ensuring that his brilliance continues to open doors for others.
Oluwadamilola Amolegbe, Executive Secretary of KwaraETF, highlighted the broader vision of the scholarship and the significance of this first cohort:
“This first cohort reminds us that brilliance is everywhere, but opportunity must meet it. By honoring Jamiu’s memory and supporting these 12 children, we are sowing seeds for a brighter Kwara.”
List of Scholarship Beneficiaries:
- Abigail Akinyemi
- Adamu Salim
- Adamu Yusuf
- Emmanuella Atamu
- Emmanuel Donald
- Fapohunda Inioluwa
- Hamidu Mopelola
- Ige Moyo
- Muhammed Hassanat (Recipient of the Jamiu Jimoh Memorial Scholarship)
- Rufai Ahmed
- Sakinat Mohammed
- Umar Hassan
The KwaraETF Scholarship Program builds on the reforms of KwaraLEARN, which has transformed teaching and learning across the state’s public primary schools. With this first cohort of NCEE candidates transitioning to secondary education, the program is securing the gains made in primary schools and setting a foundation for future expansion.
KwaraETF thanks its donors who have made this vision a reality and invites corporate organizations, development partners, and well-meaning individuals to join hands in scaling this effort — so that in every classroom and every community, brilliance is everywhere, and opportunity meets it.
