By Mustafa Abubakar and Felicia Samuel
The Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, has reaffirmed his commitment to educational development through his Turaki Scholarship Scheme, which has empowered 110 students of the University of Ilorin with full scholarships.
While addressing the beneficiaries, the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, commended Senator Mustapha for his laudable initiative, describing it as a genuine investment in human capital and a model worth emulating.
Mr Alfanla noted that the University of Ilorin has always cherished productive partnerships that advance the welfare of its students, adding that Senator Mustapha’s intervention aligns perfectly with the institution’s vision of producing well-rounded, responsible, and financially supported graduates.
The Registrar said education remains the best form of empowerment, and what Senator Mustapha has done is a clear testimony of his belief in the transformative power of learning.
According to him, by taking responsibility for these students’ education from their first year till graduation, the Senator is not only easing their financial burden but also shaping a generation of focused and motivated youths who will contribute meaningfully to national development.
Mr Alfanla further encouraged the beneficiaries to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to their studies, saying that the best way to appreciate such support is to excel and give back to society in the future.
In his remarks, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Alex Akanmu, appreciated the Senator for his sustained support for students, noting that the scholarship has “not only eased the financial burden of many families but also inspired students to pursue academic excellence with renewed commitment.”
Dr Akanmu lauded Senator Mustapha’s approach to youth empowerment, describing it as practical, impactful, and sustainable. He observed that the Senator’s education-based interventions have become a source of motivation for many students, particularly those who might otherwise have struggled to continue their studies due to financial constraints.
“This kind of support goes beyond paying tuition fees; it restores hope, builds confidence, and reinforces the belief that hard work and determination are rewarded. We, as an institution, are proud of this partnership and the positive impact it has on our students and their families,” he said.
The Dean also encouraged the beneficiaries to serve as worthy ambassadors of the University and the scholarship scheme by maintaining excellence in their academics and conduct.
Speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin last Monday (October 6, 2025), the Secretary to the Senator Saliu Mustapha Education Committee and a key member of the Scholarship Scheme Committee, Mr Yakubu Ishowo, explained that the initiative currently supports 200 students across tertiary institutions in Kwara State, with 110 beneficiaries drawn from the University of Ilorin alone.
“This scholarship covers tuition fees from 100 level till graduation, irrespective of the students’ courses of study. We have paid for their first year, and preparations are ongoing to pay for their second year. The exercise will be repeated at the beginning of every academic session until graduation,” Mr Ishowo explained.
He added that the committee had evaluated the performance of the beneficiaries after their 100 level to encourage academic excellence.
“Beyond this, a new set of 300 beneficiaries will join the scheme in the 2025/2026 academic session. These new students, like the first batch, will also have their tuition covered from admission to their final year,” he stated.
Mr Ishowo emphasised that the scholarship should be regarded as an investment in the students’ future, not as free money, urging the beneficiaries to make the opportunity count. He also commended the management of the University of Ilorin for its continued cooperation, which has contributed to the smooth implementation of the programme.
Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Senator Mustapha for his generosity.
