Dallas OAU Alumni doles out Scholarship to 104 students
The second edition of the Great Ife Alumni Association, Dallas-Branch scholarship initiative, otherwise known as the Dallas Scholars Award 2025, has been held at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile –Ife with the award of scholarships to 104 students, spanning all 13 faculties of the university.
The value of the scholarship worth 20.8 million naira for the 2025 academic year is a hundred percent increase on the 2024 edition when 52 beneficiaries were awarded the scholarship therefore bringing the total number of beneficiaries so far from the maiden edition to an impressive 156.
The Dallas Scholars Award initiative which began in 2024 has become a reference point within the Obafemi Awolowo University, community and the alumni body as arguably one of the most significant OAU alumni group scholarship intervention in recent years. You recall during the 48th Obafemi Awolowo University Convocation ceremony 2024, the Vice Chancellors Prof. Simeon Bamire singled out two alumni branches Dallas and Great Ife Mainland Metro (GIMM) for their sustained and commendable efforts towards the development of the University.
At the ceremony, Professor Yomi Daramola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) 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.
“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” he stated.
The Vice Chancellor noted that, Dallas branch continues to make invaluable efforts to help students remain in school and focus on their studies, thereby promoting hard work. He added that “Out 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” he further stated.
Indeed, “It is heartwarming to see the exemplary commitment of Dallas Branch at renewing the scholarships for the remaining students who have maintained exceptional academic performance while also extending the program to 68 new recipients. This expansion brings the total number of scholarship beneficiaries this year to an impressive 104 students. Professor Daramola then urged beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by concentrating on their academics and being of good character as worthy ambassadors of the Dallas Scholars Award.
The President of the Dallas Branch, Mr. Dolapo Ajayi while speaking with the media, he explained the competitive nature of the scholarship stating that the 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. He urged applicants to seek guidance from past beneficiaries to improve their chances of selection in subsequent years.
While shedding more light on the objective of the scholarship initiative, Dolapo Ajayi further explained the aim of the Association. “Our 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”. He stressed.
Tokunbo Adejuyigbe, the Scholarship Chairman of the Dallas Branch, while welcoming the beneficiaries into the Dallas Scholars Cohort, emphasized the importance of introducing them to the cohort mentoring program, which aims to provide holistic support to the recipients. It’s a tough world; we want to be there for you. When you look back, we want you to remember Dallas” he said.
On the selection process for the scholarship, Tokunbo Adejuyeigbe explained that a scholarship team is responsible for managing the application process each year. 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. “The scholarship is not solely based on having a 5.0 CGPA; we assess the overall application. We undergo a rigorous process to analyze all submissions,” he revealed.
The former President of Dallas Branch and now OAU Alumni United States President, Adeolu Esho noted that “Dallas 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” he pointed out.
Adeolu Esho added that over the years, different chapters of the United States, OAU Alumni have supported various initiatives. Some examples include 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 Award now in its second year.
While advising prospective scholarship applicants in subsequent years in his speech at the hallowed Oduduwa Hall at the event, Dolapo Ajayi 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.” he stated.
A 2024 beneficiary of the scholarship scheme, Amarachi Uvere, shared her excitement on the importance of the award. “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 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” she added.
Odugbemi Boluwaji Peter, a 300-level student of Arts and Social Sciences Education, Education and English Unit, 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. 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’m 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 says, “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.
Through this scholarship, I have gained financial support, built a network with fellow scholars, a connection to an organization 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 Professor Yomi Daramola, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Mr. Dolapo Ajayi; President of the Great Ife Alumni Dallas Branch, Mr. Tokunbo Adejuyigbe; GIAA Dallas Scholarship Committee Chairman, Dr Deji Owoyomi; GIAA Atlanta Branch President who represented the GIAA USA Chapter President, Adeolu Esho, Professor Kayode Atilade; Home Branch Chairman and other members of the University hierarchy and the alumni body.
