The lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State in the House of Representatives, Wole Oke, has provided scholarships to no fewer than 1,240 students across nine technical schools in the state as part of efforts to strengthen vocational education and youth empowerment.
Oke disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, explaining that the scholarship initiative was launched in 2021 to encourage greater participation in technical and vocational training among young people.
According to the lawmaker, the Government Technical College in Osogbo accounts for the highest number of beneficiaries, with 469 students receiving support under the programme. At the technical college in Ile-Ife, 213 students are currently benefiting from the scheme.
Other beneficiaries include 150 students in Ijebu-Ijesa, 39 students in Ara, 109 in Inisa, nine in Otan Ayegbaju, 88 in Gbongan, and 12 in Osu.
Oke stated that the scholarship package covers tuition-related costs such as school fees, enrolment charges, lesson fees, and other associated expenses.
The programme currently costs about N15 million per academic term and approximately N40 million per academic session.
He described the initiative as a strategic intervention designed to tackle youth unemployment by equipping students with practical skills that can enhance self-reliance and create employment opportunities.
The lawmaker, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, noted that the scholarship aligns with his long-standing advocacy for stronger investment in vocational and technical education.
He added that the initiative also supports the Federal Government’s recent policy decision to introduce free tuition in all Federal Technical Colleges nationwide.
“Technical education remains one of the most practical pathways to tackling unemployment in our society,” Oke said. “By equipping our young people with relevant skills, we are not only preparing them for jobs but also empowering them to become job creators. This scholarship is a deliberate investment in the future of our youths and the economic growth of Osun State.”
Some beneficiaries of the programme also expressed appreciation to the lawmaker for the support.
In a recorded video shared with journalists, students, including Christopher Olaniyan, Abiodun Korede from Osogbo, and Abosede Durojaye from Ile-Ife commended Oke for the initiative.
One of the beneficiaries said the scholarship had significantly eased the financial burden on students and their families while motivating them to remain committed to their studies.
“I want to appreciate Hon. Wole Oke, on behalf of my fellow students, for this support. God will bless you abundantly. We promise not to disappoint you,” the student said.
