*The Great Ife Alumni Association, Dallas Branch, in the United States holds the second edition of its scholarship initiative, otherwise known as the Dallas Scholars Award 2025 at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, awarding scholarships to 104 students across 13 faculties of the University

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The Great Ife Alumni Association, Dallas Branch, in the United States (US), has held the second edition of its scholarship initiative, otherwise known as the Dallas Scholars Award 2025 at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, with the award of scholarships to 104 students, across 13 faculties of the University.

The Dallas Branch said the value of the scholarships worth N20.8 million for the 2025 academic year is a hundred percent increase over the 2024 edition, when 52 beneficiaries were awarded the scholarships.

According to the alumni, this year’s figure has brought the total number of beneficiaries from the maiden edition of the scholarship initiative 156.

The Dallas Scholars Award initiative, which began 2024 has become a reference point within Obafemi Awolowo University community, and the alumni body as arguably one of the most significant OAU alumni group scholarship interventions in recent years. It us recalled that during the 48th聽聽 OAU Convocation Ceremony last year, Prof. Simeon Bamire, Vice-Chancellor of OAU, singled out two alumni branches – Dallas and Great Ife Mainland Metro (GIMM) – for their sustained and commendable efforts towards the development of their alma mater.

At the ceremony, Prof. Yomi Daramola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at OAU, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, expressed profound gratitude to God and the Dallas Alumni Branch for their commitment to academic excellence with the scholarship award.

Prof. Bamire said: “We are delighted to witness the growth of this noble initiative as our University takes pride in having alumni that is deeply committed to enhancing learning and the experience of our students in various ways, as Dallas Alumni Branch has consistently demonstrated its dedication to supporting students amid economic challenges.”

The Vice-Chancellor also noted the Dallas Branch has continued to make invaluable efforts at helping students to remain in school and focus on their studies, thereby promoting hard work.

鈥淥ut of the number of students that received the scholarship award last year 2024, 16 of them already have graduated with outstanding results.

“This tells you how important this scholarship is and the vital role it is playing towards enabling students to study without the burden of financial worries,” said he.

Bamire equally stated: “Indeed, it is heartwarming to see the exemplary commitment of Dallas Branch to renewing the scholarships for the remaining students, who have maintained exceptional academic performance while also extending the programme to 68 new recipients.”

“This expansion brings the total number of scholarship beneficiaries this year to an impressive 104 students.”

The University urged the student beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by concentrating on their academics, and being of good character as worthy ambassadors of the Dallas Scholars Award.

In his remarks, Mr. Dolapo Ajayi, President of the Dallas Alumni Branch, explained to reporters the competitive nature of the scholarships.

Ajayi disclosed the selection committee received 1,350 applications for the 2025 edition, including submissions from students from other tertiary institutions.

He highlighted the alumni body’s readiness to foster educational support.

The Dallas Alumni Branch President, therefore, urged other applicants to seek guidance from past beneficiaries to improve their chances of selection in subsequent years.

Shedding more light on the objective of the scholarship initiative, Mr. Ajayi further explained the aim of the Association.

He stated: 鈥淥ur goal is to support our alma mater, the Obafemi Awolowo University. Every action we take is towards giving back to the community that helped to nurture our future, whether through infrastructural improvements or providing scholarships to the students, to ensure they can focus on their education and become the best version of themselves.

“That way, we will continue impacting the lives of these students and serve as inspiration and a bridge between the university and the outside world till the students graduate and become alumni themselves.”

Tokunbo Adejuyigbe, Scholarship Chairman of Dallas Branch, while welcoming the beneficiaries into the Dallas Scholars Cohort, emphasised the importance of introducing them to the cohort mentoring programme, which aims to provide holistic support to the recipients.

Adejuyigbe said: “It’s a tough world; we want to be there for you. When you look back, we want you to remember Dallas.”

On the selection process for the scholarships, the Chairman explained that a scholarship team is responsible for managing the application process each year.

According to him, they announce the opening of applications on the local branch portal, inviting students to submit various documents, including verified CGPA, resumes, and personal statements of purpose.

He also explained: “The scholarship is not solely based on having a 5.0 CGPA; we assess the overall application.

“We undergo a rigorous process to analyse all submissions.”

Speaking on the scholarship awards, Adeolu Esho, ex-President of Dallas Branch and now OAU Alumni US President, noted: 鈥淒allas Branch, aims to challenge other branches in the USA, UK including Nigeria, to be united in supporting academically determined students who possess good character. “Interestingly, those yet to complete their degree programmes will continue to receive the benefit of the scholarship till the graduate as long as they maintain the standard and requisites.”

Esho said that over the years, different chapters of the United States, OAU Alumni had supported various initiatives.

He cited some examples to include the Dallas Branch, through intervention projects, like renovation of Angola Hall, others are provision of solar-powered borehole for water supply in Alumni Hall as well as the Dallas Scholarship Awards now in its second year.

Advising prospective scholarship applicants in subsequent years in his speech in the Oduduwa Hall of OAU, the event venue, Ajayi, President of Dallas Branch, further said: “If you believe you can win this award, do not assume that being an excellent scholar is enough; you need to bring much more to the table. “When you apply, treat it as if you are competing for the best job in the world. Use all the tools available to you to enhance your application.

“Give yourself a chance and approach it with excellence, as receiving this award can change your life and the lives of others.”

Amarachi Uvere, a 2024 beneficiary of the scholarship scheme, shared her excitement on the importance of the award.

Uvere said: “I am immensely grateful to the Great Ife Alumni Association, Dallas Branch. The scholarship fund has significantly helped me, allowing me to focus on my studies by easing financial burdens.

“This support has contributed to my monthly upkeep allowance and cater for essential academic materials like manuals and past questions.”

The student also stated: “The scholarship has also been a great source of motivation, encouraging me to continue my hard work.

“I do not take this opportunity for granted; I feel privileged to be a Dallas Scholar.”

Odugbemi Boluwaji Peter, a 300-level student of Arts and Social Sciences Education, Education and English Unit, also related his experience, and said: “Filling out the application made me feel fulfilled, as I viewed the scholarship as an opportunity to generate the resources needed to achieve my educational goals and aspirations.

“My joy doubled when I found out that I was selected as one of the scholarship awardees. I feel fascinated and fulfilled.”

He said: “As I noted earlier. I believe this scholarship will help me attain my academic goals and bring my dreams, vision, and mission to fruition. “It will also enable me to be more diligent, disciplined, and devoted to my studies.”

Another beneficiary, Yinusa Hamudat Aivoyin, a 200-level student of the Department of Economics, said, “I feel good because this is my first award ever.

“The application process was somewhat stressful, especially writing the essay; however, tools like Google and ChatGPT were a big help, since I鈥檓 not very good at English.

“My sister, who is in the English Department, helped me put everything together and guided me on how to write it.”

Isaiah Adepoju, a student of Literature-in-English, Faculty of Arts, said: “This feels like a dream. I won a scholarship in high school, but since then, my self-esteem has declined.

“This scholarship award is very inspiring and encouraging in my academic pursuit.

“It motivates me to study much more and aim even higher. The award reinforces my belief in myself.”

Adepoju as well noted through this scholarship, “I have gained financial support, built a network with fellow scholars, a connection to an organisation that tirelessly raises academic standards, and the opportunity to inspire other students to excel and apply for the scholarship.”

The event was attended by some top members of the University Management, including the Vice Chancellor, represented by Prof. Yomi Daramola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Mr. Dolapo Ajayi; and President of the Great Ife Alumni Dallas Branch, Mr. Tokunbo Adejuyigbe.

Other s are GIAA Dallas Scholarship Committee Chairman, Dr. Deji Owoyomi; GIAA Atlanta Branch President, who represented the GIAA USA Chapter President, Adeolu Esho, Prof. Kayode Atilade; Home Branch Chairman, and other members of the University hierarchy and the alumni body.

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