The Great Ife Alumni Association, Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) Branch, has awarded 104 scholarships worth N20.8 million to outstanding students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
The association held its third Dallas Scholars Award Ceremony at the Oduduwa Hall, reports The Nation.
President of the DFW Branch, Mr. Dolapo Ajayi, during a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, said the initiative was designed to reward academic excellence and ease the financial burden on deserving students.
Each beneficiary received N200,000 as a non-refundable monetary grant aimed at supporting essential needs such as tuition and accommodation, thereby allowing students to focus fully on their studies.
“This scholarship is not a loan. It is our way of supporting students who have demonstrated excellence and resilience, so they are not distracted by financial challenges,” Ajayi said.
He explained that the Dallas Scholars Initiative began in 2024 with 52 awardees, expanded to 104 beneficiaries in 2025, and has been sustained at the same level in 2026.
He noted that the programme is structured to support students throughout their academic stay, provided they continue to meet the required criteria.
Of the 104 scholarships awarded this year, 80 were renewals for existing scholars, while 24 new students were admitted into the programme following the graduation of some earlier beneficiaries.
He further disclosed that the selection process is handled solely by the association’s Scholarship Award Team Leaders, including Mrs. Bunmi Adejuyigbe, Head of Internet, and Mr. Tokunbo Adejuyigbe, Head of the Planning Committee.
He noted that the committee operates independently of the university administration.
“We receive thousands of applications every year. Applicants submit a statement of purpose, academic records including CGPA, a résumé, and other supporting documents.
“The process is rigorous, competitive, and objective, and we even leverage technology, including AI, to ensure fairness,” Ajayi added.
Acting Director of the Advancement Office, OAU, Dr. Adeduntan Segun-Olasanmi, described the initiative as a reflection of the alumni’s enduring commitment to their alma mater.
She revealed that with the latest awards, the Dallas–Fort Worth Branch has now funded 260 scholarships within three years, representing an investment of nearly N50 million in student development.
“These alumni have needs of their own, yet they continue to give back. This scholarship has transformed the lives of many beneficiaries. Several scholars have graduated at the top of their classes, won departmental and faculty awards, and even secured international research collaborations,” she said.
She praised the consistency of the initiative, noting that the university remains grateful for the sustained support.
The VC Prof. Bamire commended the alumni for their generosity, describing the scholarship as a major contributor to students’ academic stability and performance.
“The relief provided by this scholarship allows students to concentrate fully on their studies.
“We can clearly see the connection between financial support and academic excellence,” the Vice Chancellor said.
He assured the alumni that the university would continue to track the academic progress and achievements of beneficiaries to measure the long-term impact of the initiative.
The ceremony was attended by senior university officials, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) and the Dean of Student Affairs, alongside members of the alumni association.
One of the beneficiaries, Miracle Oyetoro, a student of the Faculty of Agriculture, described the scholarship as a turning point in her academic and personal journey.
Oyetoro likened her experience to the biblical story of Joseph, noting that her path to purpose had not been smooth despite her strong sense of calling.
“When we think of destiny, we often imagine a straight line from a dream to reality, but my journey has been anything but straight,” she said.
She explained that her decision to study Agriculture was driven by a deep personal conviction rather than prestige, adding that she later discovered that purpose does not shield one from hardship.
“Being on the path of divine direction does not exempt one from ordeals. Like Joseph, I faced seasons where the vision became blurry and personal struggles made me question my journey,” Oyetoro stated.
According to her, the Dallas Scholars Award came at a moment when hope seemed distant, serving as both financial relief and emotional reassurance.
“This scholarship is more than financial support to me. It is a signal — a reminder that when God orders a journey, He also provides the resources for it. It reassures me that I am exactly where I am supposed to be,” she said.
She added that the award renewed her motivation and inspired her to encourage fellow scholars who may be facing difficulties on their path to success.
Oyetoro concluded her address with a deeply reflective poem titled, “The Scholar’s Mandate,” which drew strong emotional reactions from fellow beneficiaries and guests at the ceremony.
In the poem, she encouraged scholars to remain steadfast despite challenges, describing the scholarship not merely as a reward but as a seed and a ladder meant to propel them toward purpose and service.
She reminded fellow awardees that progress does not always come in dramatic leaps, stressing that “however small the steps may seem, they still matter,” and urged them not to lose faith during difficult seasons that may feel like a desert.
Addressing her fellow scholars directly, Oyetoro charged them to rise above fear, reject mediocrity, and live purpose-driven lives that would leave a lasting impact beyond material rewards.
She ended the poem with a call to courage and excellence, urging the scholars to “hold the torch high,” spread their wings, and recognise that their potential extends “far beyond the sky.”
Diaspora Liaison Officer, Evang. Adekunbi Akin-Taylor, was also at the event.
