An alumnus of Abiodun Atiba Memorial Institute, Oyo, Mr Babatunde Tijani, has donated N1m to reward high-achieving students and teachers at his alma mater.
The presentation took place during the 45th valedictory service of the school, where Mr Tijani was a special guest of honour.
The funds provide cash prizes for outstanding academic performance across multiple disciplines, alongside financial support for teaching staff.
The top graduating student, Philip Abimbola, secured N400,000 after finishing first in both the general and science categories.
Khadijat Abdulwahab and Rodiat Isiaka received N200,000 each after leading the Commerce and Arts streams, respectively.
Represented at the ceremony by his sister, Omobola Tijani, the donor framed the gesture as both a personal tribute and an investment in local academic standards.
His father, the late Abdul Lateef Eyitayo Tijani, served as the institution’s vice principal between 1981 and 1988.
“My brother is also filled with gratitude because 37 years ago, he walked through the gates of this same Abiodun Atiba Memorial Institute as a student,” Ms Tijani said.
“The foundation, values and training he received here have been instrumental in his journey through life.”
In a direct message read to the graduating cohort, Mr Tijani urged pupils to maintain personal integrity as they step into higher education.
“Your certificate is important, but your character will take you further,” he said.
“The world needs young men and women who are not only educated but also disciplined, diligent and God-fearing.”
How Alumni Philanthropy Sustains Public Classrooms
The targeted interventions of private donors highlight a growing structural reliance on successful former pupils across West Africa.
State education budgets remain under continuous pressure from inflation and competing infrastructural demands, leaving individual institutions reliant on alumni networks to boost morale and supplement facilities.
In regional public education, former pupils are increasingly acting as crucial financial backers rather than passive alumni members.
While official policy maintains baseline operations, direct support from former pupils frequently determines whether top graduates possess the immediate resources to pursue university entry.
Babatunde Tijani: Systemic Support and Infrastructure Upgrades
The principal of the institute, Rasak Reheem, noted that the contributions of Babatunde Tijani extend well beyond cash presentations for graduating classes.
Previous capital projects funded by the donor include the reconstruction of a six-classroom block, the installation of a modern borehole, and the provision of 240 student desks.
Mr Reheem commended the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for implementing worker-friendly policies while advising pupils to prepare for the rigorous demands of tertiary study.
“One success leads to another challenge that demands another success, and so it continues throughout life,” Mr Reheem said.
He urged the departing class to reject social vices, including cybercrime and substance abuse, as they move forward.
Speaking for the award recipients, Mr Abimbola said the financial backing provides essential momentum as the graduates prepare for university entrance examinations.
