Karim Adeyemi Foundation Empowers Public School Students At 4th IDSDP Essay Contest In Ibadan
•••Winners Bag Scholarships, Cash Rewards, Digital Training, Others
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — THE Karim Adeyemi Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to educational development and youth empowerment with the successful hosting of the 4th edition of its International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) Essay Competition in Ibadan.
The event, held at the foundation’s headquarters in Oluyole, Ibadan, brought together education stakeholders, government representatives, teachers, parents, and students in a celebration of academic excellence, talent discovery, and sports-driven social development.
Outstanding public secondary school students were rewarded with scholarships, cash prizes, educational materials, plaques, and digital training opportunities for their exceptional performances in the competition.
Speaking during the ceremony, President of the Karim Adeyemi Foundation, Mogaji Abiodun Adeyemi, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to strengthening public education and supporting talented students irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds.
According to him, the foundation has, within four years of the competition, disbursed over ₦3.5 million in prize money to 35 outstanding public secondary school students across Ibadan.
He disclosed that about 70 per cent of previous beneficiaries are currently pursuing tertiary education in various universities across Nigeria, describing the initiative as a long-term investment in human capital development.
“These are not just figures,” Adeyemi said. “What is most important is the transformation we are witnessing. Many of these students now have the confidence and support to pursue higher education because someone believed in them early enough.”
He further explained that beneficiaries continue to receive structured academic and developmental support beyond the competition itself.
Adeyemi announced that science-oriented winners from this year’s edition would be enrolled in the foundation’s forthcoming E-Tutors Scholarship Programme, expected to commence between June and July, to prepare students for external examinations such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
He also revealed that all winners and participants at the Computer-Based Test (CBT) stage would benefit from a SkillNG masterclass aimed at improving their digital literacy and soft skills.
The foundation president further disclosed plans to establish the KAF Scholars Community during the organisation’s fifth anniversary celebration next year.
According to him, the platform will serve as a mentorship and tracking network for beneficiaries of the foundation’s educational programmes.
Adeyemi, however, expressed concern over rising insecurity affecting school attendance in some parts of Oyo State, particularly in Orire Local Government Area, warning that the situation could discourage parents from sending their children to school.
“No parent should ever regret sending a child to school,” he stated.
“When insecurity disrupts education, it threatens the future of society. We are calling on government and security agencies to act quickly to restore safety in our schools.”
This year’s essay competition focused on the theme: “If you are the Minister of Sports Development and you have the power to design one local sports tradition in Ibadan to break a barrier that currently exists, what tradition will you create or redesign, and why?”
At the end of the contest, Gbadamosi Abdulrahman of Awotan/Araromi Community High School emerged overall winner and received a cash prize of ₦200,000.
Hebron Adelakin of Loyola College, Ibadan, came second with a cash reward of ₦150,000, while Adetayo Elizabeth of Ago-Are Grammar School secured third position and received ₦100,000.
Expressing his appreciation, the overall winner, Abdulrahman, commended the Karim Adeyemi Foundation for creating opportunities that inspire public school students to aspire beyond their limitations.
He described the award as a strong motivation to remain committed to academic excellence despite prevailing societal challenges.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of prizes and recognition awards to deserving students amid commendations from parents, teachers, and invited guests.