●100 Oyo Students Secure Fully-Funded Scholarships to Malaysia
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering educational excellence at both local and international levels. Education remains a cornerstone of his developmental agenda, with continuous efforts to enhance primary, secondary, and tertiary education across the state. Furthermore, Governor Makinde emphasized the significance of international education in driving economic expansion and fostering long-term development.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, at the International Study Abroad Fair (ISAF) 2025, the governor underscored the necessity of global exposure in equipping students with advanced skills and networks critical for state and national progress. Themed “Global Mastery, Local Impact: Empowering Minds Through International Education,” the event, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, served as a platform to promote global learning opportunities for Oyo State students.
$1 Million in Scholarships Secured for Oyo Students
A key highlight of the event was the announcement by Lady Tolu Eledan, Managing Director of TPSEAL Education (United Kingdom) and host of ISAF, revealing that 100 fully-funded scholarships—each worth approximately $10,000—had been secured for postgraduate studies in Malaysia. This initiative, valued at $1 million, aligns with the Oyo State Government’s vision of nurturing globally competitive graduates who can drive local innovation.
Governor Makinde: “International Education Must Translate into Local Impact”
Delivering a keynote address titled “Harnessing International Education Experience for Local Economic Development,” Governor Makinde stressed that international education is not solely about obtaining foreign degrees but about acquiring transformative experiences that can be applied within Nigeria.
> “International education is no longer just about earning a degree abroad; it’s about mastering advanced skills, embracing new ideas, and establishing global networks. However, what matters most is how we translate this global exposure into local development,” he stated.
He further assured that the state government remains committed to funding scholarship programs, ensuring that students return home equipped with expertise to drive innovation and economic growth.
Oyo State’s Education Budget and Infrastructure Investment
Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, reinforced the government’s dedication to education, citing the ₦145.25 billion (21.44% of the state’s total budget) allocated to the education sector. He also announced upcoming renovations for 100 secondary schools, underscoring the administration’s holistic approach to educational reform.
Technical and Vocational Education as a Pathway to Success
Speaking on the role of vocational training, Dr. Debo Akande, Executive Adviser on Agribusiness and Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), highlighted the need to elevate Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a viable career pathway rather than a fallback option. He emphasized that vocational education fosters creativity, resilience, and adaptability, all of which are crucial for national development.
Global Networks, Local Solutions
An international perspective was provided by Dr. NG Miew Luan, an Associate Professor at INTI International University, Malaysia. In her presentation titled “Global Network, Local Solutions: The Power of International Collaboration,” she stressed that experiences gained through international education are not merely personal achievements but transformative tools for reshaping communities and economies.
Call to Action: Leveraging Global Opportunities for Local Progress
A distinguished panel of industry leaders, including:
Prof. Kayode Adebowale (Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan)
Mr. Edward Dickson (MD/Editor-in-Chief, Nigerian Tribune)
Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu (MD/CEO, First Bank of Nigeria PLC)
Mr. Ajayi Babatunde (Head, SME Banking, UBA Group)
encouraged Nigerian youths to maximize the opportunities available in international education while remaining committed to applying their acquired knowledge in the local economy.
“JAPADA” – A Shift from “JAPA”
Lady Eledan concluded the event with an advocacy for “JAPADA”—a movement that promotes returning home to contribute to national development, rather than the “JAPA” (mass emigration) phenomenon.
The event was graced by key government officials, academia, and business leaders, all united in their shared vision of using international education as a catalyst for Oyo State’s socioeconomic transformation.
