A United States of America based non-profit organization, Global Health and Indigent Care Foundation (GHICF), has sustained its annual educational support initiatives in Kogi state.
GHICF, founded by Dr Samuel Oloyo and his wife, Mrs Julie Olufunmilola Oloyo, at the 4th edition of it annual Scholarship and Educational Assistance Program (SEAP) award ceremony at Ayetoro Gbede gave out N19million support to outstanding students.
The foundation also gave out cash awards to secondary schools with outstanding results.
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Dr. Samuel Oloyo, said the vision of the GHICF is to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) which are technical disciplines.
Represented by the Secretary of SEAP, Mr. Richard Akanmode, President of the Global Health and Indigent Care Foundation (GHICF) reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting indigent students through education.
Dr. Oloyo traced the inspiration behind the foundation and its Scholarship and Educational Assistance Programme (SEAP) to his personal experiences growing up in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu local government area, and his wife’s background in Igbaruku, Yagba West LGA, where many bright students were unable to complete their education due to financial hardship. He emphasized that GHICF was established to alleviate such challenges, stressing the moral responsibility of giving back rather than hoarding wealth, a principle he linked to biblical teachings on service and compassion.
He commended the SEAP committee, led by Chairman Mr. Richard Olonishuwa and Secretary, Mr. Richard Akanmode, alongside Mr. Olu Olugbenga for logistics coordination, describing their dedication and integrity as central to the programme’s success.
He congratulated the scholarship beneficiaries and urged them to dream big, work diligently, and position themselves competitively in a rapidly globalizing world, while also encouraging parents, teachers, and school administrators to play active roles in nurturing excellence.
Highlighting testimonials from past beneficiaries, including graduates with first-class honors, Dr. Oloyo noted that the programme is achieving its goals and announced that GHICF remains resolutely committed to the continued funding and expansion of SEAP to empower more students in the years ahead.
Mr Richard Olonishua, the chairman of the SEAP Committee, which has been administering the Foundation for four consecutive years, described the initiative as a bridge between potential and possibility. The scholarship programme, he noted, is anchored on three core objectives: promoting STEM education at both secondary and tertiary levels, fostering healthy academic competition and excellence, and easing the economic burden on students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“This year alone, the Foundation committed over N19 million to the programme, bringing the total investment in scholarships over the past four years to N55 million. The sustained intervention reflects the compassion and generosity of Dr and Mrs Oloyo, whose vision is to uplift those who may never be able to repay such kindness but whose success will benefit society at large.
“The impact of the programme is already evident. Over the last three years, five beneficiaries have graduated with first-class degrees, while seven earned second-class upper degrees, with many current beneficiaries maintaining strong academic standing.
“At the tertiary level, the number of beneficiaries increased from 30 last year to 47 this year, with a total disbursement of N8.5 million. Individual awards range from N150,000 to N300,000, covering disciplines such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Engineering, Health Sciences, Agriculture, Basic Sciences, and Computing.
“At the secondary school level, 12 exceptional students across four public schools in Ayetoro Gbede received a total of N350,000 after scoring averages of 85 percent and above in STEM subjects and English Language. In addition, 172 students earned 455 subject-based awards totaling N2.5 million for scoring between 75 and 84 percent, with several students recognized in multiple subjects.
“A notable addition to this year’s programme is the special recognition and support for five students with special needs in two public secondary schools, aimed at reducing barriers to school attendance and learning. The Foundation also extended its support to teachers and schools by awarding N1.7 million to institutions that achieved a 70 percent and above success rate in WAEC, NECO, and BECE examinations, reinforcing the importance of quality teaching.
“Furthermore, the allocation for Igbaruku community was increased from N1.7 million to N2 million to accommodate a growing number of interested students. The Foundation also increased direct cash transfers to beneficiaries, empowering families to prioritize their most urgent needs amid prevailing economic challenges,” he said.
The SEAP Committee described the Foundation as an answer to the quiet prayers of parents and encouraged beneficiaries to see the scholarship as both an opportunity and a responsibility. With heartfelt gratitude, they prayed blessings upon the scholars and the promoters of the Foundation, whose sacrifices continue to secure a brighter future for many.
