Federal Government BAT-STEM Initiative Awards Over 5,000 Indigent Pupils in Oyo State

Over 5,000 indigent pupils from hard-to-reach communities in Oyo State have benefitted from the Federal Government’s BAT-STEM initiative during its recent official unveiling. This comprehensive education outreach program, organized by the Presidential Community Engagement Office (South-West), is part of the BAT-STEM (Scholarship, Training, Education, Mentorship) project, aimed at providing essential school supplies and scholarships to students across various communities. The initiative, spearheaded by Moremi Ojudu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (Southwest), aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to uplift grassroots communities through education and other critical interventions.

During the first day of the outreach, the team visited several schools, including Nomadic School in Owode, Lanlate; St. Michael Cherubim & Seraphim Primary School, Eruwa; Anwar-ul-Islam Primary School, Eruwa; and Baptist Primary School, Maya, Lanlate. The distribution included over 50,000 exercise books, 1,000 school bags, 100 white marker boards, sandals, socks, math sets, and other educational materials. Notably, the outreach also made a significant impact at Eruwa Special Basic School, where pupils with special needs received essential back-to-school items. The headmistress expressed gratitude, stating, “We never expected to be given such attention; it is a most welcome initiative. These supplies will really help our kids learn better and aid our teachers.” On the second day, the outreach moved to schools in Oriire and Ogo-Oluwa Local Governments, where students at Tewure Grammar School, Tewure; Ajinapa Community Grammar School, Ajinapa; and Oloya Community Primary School, Oloya, received back-to-school items and scholarships. Additional scholarships were awarded at Community High School, Iwo Ate, and Baptist Grammar School, Ajaawa.

The program awarded 100 scholarships worth ₦50,000 each to selected students, providing much-needed financial assistance to help them stay in school and pay for upcoming examinations. One scholarship recipient from Baptist Grammar School shared, “This scholarship is a blessing. It has given me hope for a brighter future.” Another student echoed this sentiment, stating, “My parents were worried about how they could afford my education, but with this scholarship, I can focus on my studies without that fear.” Principals and teachers at the participating schools expressed their deep appreciation for the initiative. The principal of Tewure Grammar School remarked, “These supplies and scholarships are a lifeline for many of our students. For some of them, this is the difference between staying in school and dropping out.” The principal of Ajinapa Community Grammar School also acknowledged the positive impact, stating, “We are grateful for the instructional materials provided to our teachers, which will greatly enhance our ability to teach more effectively.”

The BAT-STEM initiative not only focused on educational support but also extended assistance to teachers and community members through the distribution of food items. This holistic approach aims to close educational gaps in underserved communities while equipping teachers with the necessary tools to foster better learning environments. With plans for further engagement in additional communities, the BAT-STEM initiative continues to transform the lives of students, teachers, and families across Oyo State and the Southwest region, contributing to a brighter future for countless individuals. The Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities through the BAT-STEM project marks a significant step towards building a more equitable education system in Nigeria.