Chairman of the presidential committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms Taiwo Oyedele has said a N500 scholarship from his village association played a key role in his educational journey.
Mr Oyedele spoke on Monday in Akure during a public lecture organised as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State.
He said he is from Ikaram-Akoko and described his personal story as one shaped by community support.
“My own journey, like that of many sons and daughters of this state, is a product of these values and the sense of community. I stand here today as a proud son of Ondo State from Ikaram-Akoko,” he said.
Oyedele recalled that about 35 years ago, he was unable to register for his final secondary school examination until his village association provided a N500 scholarship.
“That sum helped me register for my final secondary school examination. Without it, it is unlikely that I would be speaking to you today,” he said.
He said the experience strengthened his belief in community support and the need to help young people overcome financial barriers to education.
To mark Ondo State’s golden jubilee, Oyedele announced a scholarship scheme for public secondary school students across the state.
“As a gesture of my gratitude, I am announcing a scholarship of up to N500,000 to cover the final examinations of the best graduating student in every public secondary school in this Golden Jubilee year across the state,” he said.
He explained that the initiative is aimed at ensuring that students are not prevented from completing secondary education because of examination fees.
Taiwo Oyedele urged individuals, organisations and community groups from Ondo State to invest in education and youth development.
He also said development should be based on long-term planning, noting that progress is achieved through consistent policies and strong institutions rather than short political cycles.
