OSOPADEC Chairman, Elder Sam Erejuwa has disclosed that the Commission would soon commence the process leading to the final disbursement of the 2022/2023 Bursary and Scholarship.

Erejuwa revealed this during an interactive session held with the leadership of the National Association of Ilaje Students (NAIS) and the Federation of Ese-Odo Local Government Students (FELGOS) in his office on Tuesday 25th April.

The initiative is part of the Commission’s efforts to ameliorate the plights of students from the mandate areas studying in different tertiary institutions across the country.

They include students in Colleges of Education, Health Institutions, Polytechnics and Universities. Those in the Nigerian Law Schools and Postgraduate students will also benefit from the scheme.

Amongst the Commission’s resolutions on the Bursary and Scholarship award which Erejuwa communicated to the students include: the scheme being exclusively for the 2022/2023 academic session, that this year edition will not be paid in batches rather schools will be paid in turns.

The Commission also resolved that the process will be duly publicised and that only current students would be beneficiaries.

Erejuwa further informed that the Commission would in the coming days organise a leadership training program where the students will be equipped with values required to be responsible and functional in their immediate communities and the larger society.

The Chairman however frowned at the adoption of violent protest by students as a means of agitating for their demands.

According to him: “the use of protests and violence when asking for your entitlements is not the best option. My doors are always open for discussions. Let us discuss as father and children. I was a teacher at the Community Grammar School, Obedapo many years ago. I understand your challenges and the prevailing economic situation in the country.

“While serving as a Member of the Governing Board of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, we made the payment of school fees flexible for students and parents.

“The Bursary/Scholarship scheme is not so convenient for us due to many other projects and programs in need of urgent attention. But it is a sacrifice we need to make for your convenience and happiness. And it would be moderated within the available resources.

“Rather than protesting or reporting us to external bodies when payments are delayed, be free to walk up to us for explanation and negotiation.

“We believe in you, we want you to succeed and we will continue to support you. I am seeing many First Class products among you, you are the future of Ilaje and Ese-Odo”.

While making further clarifications, Director, Administration and Supplies, Barrister Bayo Ololajulo explained that the scheme is mainly for students within the stipulated time scope and not for graduates, commending the Chairman for granting this approval despite the paucity of funds.

The President of NAIS, Comrade Agbejoye Kehinde and his counterpart from FELGOS, Comrade Ajayi Paul both applauded Erejuwa and his Management team for approving the process of Bursary commencement, promising to remain responsible and good ambassadors of the mandate areas.

In a related development, OSOPADEC Chairman, Sam Erejuwa on behalf of the Commission celebrated Mr. Aletile Oluwaseun for his giant academic stride.

Mr. Aletile Oluwaseun, a student from the Ilaje axis of the mandate area graduated from the Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) with a First Class Degree.

While presenting cash gift to the First Class Graduate, Erejuwa said his administration will continue to celebrate academic excellence.

He urged Students, expecially those from the mandate areas to learn from Mr. Aletile’s success by concentrating on their studies, shunning cultism, drug abuse and other anti-social vices.