By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Government, in partnership with Electronic Collections Group (ECG), has rewarded outstanding students in the 2025 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) with scholarships, cash prizes, and educational support.
The awards were presented at the maiden edition of the Imole SSCE Scholarship Award Ceremony, organised by ECG in collaboration with the state Ministry of Education, at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Hall, Osun State University, Osogbo, on Wednesday.
No fewer than 31 students drawn from across the 30 local government areas of the state received cash gifts in recognition of their exceptional performance in the 2025 SSCE. Each best-performing student from the local governments was awarded N100,000, while the overall best student received a scholarship prize of N1 million.
Teachers who prepared the students across the nine WAEC subjects were also rewarded with N50,000 each, while the schools that produced the top performers received educational materials and other support packages.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ademola Adeleke said the initiative was aimed at raising a generation equipped with knowledge and vision, urging the awardees to strive for greater achievements.
“To our awardees, you are that light. But your light must shine beyond this stage into your future,” the governor said.
He noted that his administration remains committed to rewarding excellence at all levels, commending the Ministry of Education, teachers, and school administrators for their role in shaping the students.
Adeleke also used the occasion to caution residents ahead of the August 15 governorship election, urging them to reject vote-buying and uphold democratic values.
“Osun is at a critical time ahead of the election.
Those who allegedly diverted over N300 billion in local government funds are desperate. I urge our people to reject inducements and vote to sustain continuity,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of ECG, Akinmade Akintoye, described the initiative as an annual programme designed to motivate students, teachers, and schools toward excellence.
“Each of the best students from the 30 local government areas received N100,000, while the overall best student got N1 million. This is to encourage future leaders to stay focused despite distractions,” he said.
Akintoye added that the list of beneficiaries was sourced directly from WAEC headquarters and aligned with the government’s education agenda.
He noted that Osun’s education sector has recorded improvements in recent years, urging schools not to relent in their efforts to produce high-performing students.
“This is just the beginning. The sky is the limit for these students,” he added.
