In a rustic the place training is usually seen as the trail to success, monetary struggles proceed to carry many college students again, particularly in personal universities the place tuition prices stay excessive. For college kids like Ruth Lily Oshin, the fact of financial hardship turned her tutorial journey into an emotional rollercoaster.
Her story, like these of many others, highlights each the challenges and the options being offered by establishments decided to make sure training stays accessible. When Oshin gained admission to Fountain College in 2022, she was filled with optimism. The longer term appeared vibrant, and he or she had large goals for herself. However only a yr later, these goals have been practically derailed. Her father was identified with lung most cancers, and the household’s funds took a devastating hit. “I gained admission within the 2022/2023 session, and all the pieces was going nicely till my dad was identified with lung most cancers in my second yr,” Oshin revealed. With mounting medical payments and no regular revenue — her father had stopped working attributable to his well being, and her mom was unemployed — she confronted a heartbreaking determination. She needed to depart college so her youthful brother, who additionally gained admission to Fountain College, might proceed his training. “My dad stopped working due to his well being, and my mum had no job. We spent all the pieces we had on his therapy. The one assist we obtained was from my grandfather and my aunt, however even that wasn’t sufficient to cowl all the pieces.” Compelled to place her training on maintain, Oshin tried to remain optimistic by enrolling in an Open College programme to keep away from losing time. However she typically felt disheartened as she watched her buddies and classmates progress whereas she remained caught at dwelling. The miracle Oshin hoped for arrived within the type of Fountain College scholarship Initiative. When Oshin learnt concerning the scholarship programme by way of her college platform, she instantly returned to campus to use alongside her brother. Each went by way of the interview course of, however in the long run, solely her brother was awarded the scholarship. 
“Solely my brother was awarded a full scholarship. I used to be unhappy I didn’t get one too, however I used to be blissful for him. It meant my household’s monetary burden was diminished, and I might lastly return to Fountain College to proceed my research. Though I needed to begin over as a 200-level scholar after I ought to have been in 300-level, I used to be grateful for the chance to renew.” Oshin’s story is certainly one of many in greater establishments, the place monetary challenges have pressured college students to both delay their training or drop out altogether. Recognising the rising monetary struggles of scholars, Prof. Olayinka Ramota Karim, the establishment’s Vice Chancellor, took decisive steps to broaden the college’s scholarship programme with help from philanthropic donors. The initiative is aimed to alleviate college students of monetary burdens whereas encouraging tutorial excellence. In 2024 alone, over ₦46 million in scholarships have been awarded to 155 college students. “We need to be certain that each scholar, no matter their monetary standing, has entry to training,” stated the college’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Taoheed Alimi. “The scholarship programme is a mirrored image of the college’s dedication to scholar welfare. We’re decided to make Fountain College inexpensive for everybody, regardless of their monetary background.” Alimi defined that the initiative was made attainable by the management of the college and the generosity of donors. “Former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as an illustration, created a scholarship in reminiscence of his late sister, Alhaja Wosilat Aregbesola. Different donors, like philanthropist Jubril Ayinla, additionally contributed considerably to the fund.
“The suggestions from college students has been superb. “Many have shared how these scholarships haven’t solely eased their monetary burdens but in addition motivated them to excel academically. This initiative reveals that we care deeply about our college students and are dedicated to their success,” Alimi stated.
For college kids like Asisat Maiyegun, the scholarship was life-changing. Maiyegun, a high-achieving scholar, obtained two scholarships — one for her tutorial excellence and one other for monetary want. “The financial system is hard, and I used to be simply attempting to assist my dad and mom with bills. This scholarship has not solely diminished our struggles however has additionally motivated me to purpose even greater. It has at all times been my tutorial aim to be awarded a scholarship, and reaching this dream has alleviated so many struggles for my household,” Maiyegun stated. When requested concerning the challenges she confronted earlier than receiving the scholarship, Maiyegun pointed to the rising value of residing in Nigeria. “The present financial system has made all the pieces harder. I used to be attempting to steadiness my research and assist my dad and mom financially, and it wasn’t simple. However receiving this scholarship has been an enormous aid.” Maiyegun has a phrase of encouragement for her fellow college students: “Work arduous and by no means hand over. Even for those who don’t qualify for a need-based scholarship, there are scholarships for sensible college students. Your efforts will likely be rewarded.” One other beneficiary, Hammed Afolabi Osuolale, a 300-level Political Science scholar who additionally obtained the sensible scholar scholarship, shared how the scholarship programme remodeled his tutorial journey. “Once I obtained the information concerning the scholarship, I felt an urge to work even tougher. It’s not simply concerning the monetary help; it’s a recognition of my effort and dedication. Everybody has been asking me how I used to be capable of obtain this degree of success, and I inform them it’s all about persistence and arduous work,” Osuolale stated. He mirrored on the challenges he confronted earlier than receiving the scholarship. “There’s a saying that ‘success concedes nothing with no wrestle.’ I’ve at all times believed in giving my greatest, regardless of the state of affairs. I keep in mind making ready for an MSS examination that I discovered very tough. I didn’t perceive a lot concerning the topic, however I sought assist from educated buddies, studied arduous, and ultimately handed with flying colors. The scholarship is a testomony to that onerous work.” For Osuolale, the scholarship is greater than monetary aid; it’s a supply of inspiration. “It has motivated me to do even higher. I’ve realised that onerous work pays off, and this recognition has pushed me to purpose for even higher heights.” Osuolale’s recommendation to different college students echoed Asisat’s sentiments: “By no means hand over. All the time work arduous as a result of your actions will decide your rewards. Success may take time, however it’s at all times definitely worth the effort.” Whereas the scholarship initiative has offered hope to college students like Oshin, Maiyegun, Osuolale, and over 150 others, there are nonetheless limitations to the programme. Regardless of its successes, some college students in want might not have been lined attributable to restricted assets. As Oshin’s expertise reveals, even inside a single household, not all members in want can obtain assist. The initiative’s reliance on donor help additionally poses challenges, as the provision of funds might fluctuate sooner or later. Moreover, figuring out essentially the most deserving candidates is a fancy and delicate course of, requiring cautious consideration to keep away from bias or oversight.
“I’m nonetheless grateful,” Oshin stated. “Though I didn’t get the scholarship, my brother’s award has helped my household. It gave me a second probability, and for that, I’m grateful.” Because the college continues to broaden its scholarship programme, the affect is simple. Past monetary assist, the initiative represents a dedication to scholar welfare and tutorial excellence. It’s a beacon of hope, proving that with the best help, college students can overcome challenges and obtain their goals. Nonetheless, the programme’s restricted scope highlights the necessity for elevated funding and broader systemic options to make sure that no scholar is left behind.
