Former Ogun State Commissioner for Health and World Bank Organization (WB) Consultant cum World Health Organization (WHO) Consultant, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, has announced the expansion of the Ajoke Ipaye Foundation Scholarship Scheme to cover indigent students from Ago-Iwoye and Oru-Awa-Ilaporu communities in Ogun State.

Ipaye made the disclosure on Thursday during his birthday celebration and annual scholarship programme, where he also revealed plans to commission a state-of-the-art solar-powered ICT Centre with 24-hour internet services at his alma mater, Beje High School, on June 25, 2026.

According to him, the ICT facility, which will be named after the pioneer principal of the school, Mrs. A.K. Ogunyemi, is designed to serve students across schools in Ijebu Igbo and its environs, with the aim of promoting digital learning and technological advancement among young people.

Speaking at the event, the Olokine of Ojowo Kingdom, Rasheed Banjo, conveyed the message of traditional rulers in the area, appealing to the Ajoke Ipaye Foundation to extend its scholarship opportunities to indigent students from Ago-Iwoye and Oru-Awa-Ilaporu.

The monarch praised Ipaye for his unwavering commitment to community development, describing him as a “town builder” and a dependable leader whose contributions to the enthronement of the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo and other developmental causes remain invaluable.

Oba Banjo also disclosed that the annual Olokine Quiz Competition, particularly the Biology category prize, is fully sponsored by Ipaye as part of his commitment to educational advancement.

Also speaking, the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) for Ijebu North, Mr. Liadi, commended the foundation’s over 40 years of educational support and scholarship intervention, while appealing for additional opportunities to accommodate more brilliant but indigent students within the zone.

Responding to the appeals, Ipaye immediately approved the inclusion of students from Ifelodun area, covering Ago-Iwoye and Oru-Awa-Ilaporu, into the scholarship scheme beginning from next year.

He further allocated two scholarship slots through the office of the ZEO for deserving students, while two additional slots were reserved for the best graduating students the host school, Olokine Comprehensive High School who secure admission into tertiary institutions.

Ipaye explained that the gesture was aimed at motivating students to excel in their WAEC and UTME examinations and to encourage academic excellence among youths in the community.