The Osun Development Forum, a Dallas, Texas-based non-profit organisation, has awarded scholarships to 56 students of Osun State origin, with Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, producing the highest number of beneficiaries 18 students.

The annual scholarship and endowment ceremony was held at Floor O, Room 5, Obafemi Awolowo University, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The event celebrated students who have maintained a Grade Point Average (GPA) above 4.0. Since 2016, the group has funded over 600 scholarships and academic endowments across Osun State.

The Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Odedire, who represented the university management alongside the Deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Dr T.O. Jimoh of the Registrar’s Office, praised the consistency of the initiative.

“We don’t go looking for students whose GP is hanging around Motion Ground and Road One. The only basis for this continuous support is your academic excellence. That is the only thing you can give the President in return for him to continue this work. We pray this happens every year,” he said.

The dean also encouraged the students to see themselves as future ambassadors of the programme and to remember the importance of giving back when they attain success. He urged beneficiaries to remain focused, noting that previous recipients from the university had graduated with honours.

Six students received the award for the third consecutive time, demonstrating that sustained excellence is achievable. Among those honoured were Ogunsakin Tobiloba of the Faculty of Law, Husani Aishat of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Oluwole Heritage of the Faculty of Arts, and Adebayo Ruth of the Faculty of Education, all of whom recorded perfect 5.0 CGPAs. Others included Adewuyi Precious of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Odediran Samuel of the Faculty of Technology, and Fatoye Gbolahan of the Faculty of Dentistry.

The President of the forum, Kazeem Adetunji, who attended the event with his family, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to education as a tool for societal development.

“Today, we are celebrating 56 exceptional students across Osun State, and OAU has the largest number of beneficiaries. However, to continue enjoying this support, beneficiaries must maintain a GPA above 4.0,” he said.

The university also encouraged alumni, well-wishers, and members of the wider community to support the institution through scholarships, endowments, and donations, ensuring that more students benefit from similar opportunities in the future