Adeleke Rewards WAEC Best Students, Calls for Academic Excellence in Osun

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State on Wednesday honoured exceptional students who distinguished themselves in the 2025 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination in the state.

The event, known as the Imole Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Scholarship Award, was organised by Electronic Collections Group (ECG) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 31 students selected from various local government areas across the state received cash prizes.
Each outstanding student was awarded N100,000, while the overall best student received a grand prize of N1 million.
Teachers who prepared the students in the nine WAEC subjects were also rewarded with N50,000 each, while schools that produced the award-winning students received educational materials.
Speaking during the ceremony, Adeleke said the initiative was aimed at rewarding academic excellence and motivating students to strive for higher achievements.
He noted that the programme would also help improve Osun State’s performance in the Senior School Certificate Examination, adding that the state currently ranks seventh nationally.
According to the governor, the initiative recognises the combined efforts of students, teachers, parents, and the Ministry of Education.
Adeleke also used the opportunity to call on residents to support his re-election bid in the August 15 governorship election and reject vote-buying.
“My people, Osun is at an unusual time ahead of the Aug. 15 election. Those who hijacked and diverted over N300 billion of Osun local government funds are desperate.
“I charge Osun people to reject Greek gifts, shun proceeds of crime and use their votes to sustain continuity.
“Osun voters and residents have a sacred duty to reject illegality, political corruption and unconstitutional pressure to subvert democracy.
“Our votes must further deepen the delivery of democratic dividends as witnessed from 2022 to date.
“Those who violated the law must be exposed through rejection at the polls. Those who trampled on the constitution to hijack local governments must be electorally rejected.
“Osun must present itself as a model of good governance and a symbol of democracy,” he said.
The governor further stressed that while the state celebrates academic excellence, the electorate must also demonstrate that anti-democratic elements have no place in governance.
In his remarks, the lead consultant for ECG, Kayode Akinmade, praised the governor for approving and initiating the programme, describing it as a major boost for education in the state.
“We appreciate His Excellency for promoting excellence and recognising outstanding students at all levels of education.
“This maiden edition is a huge success.
“This is to encourage future leaders to remain focused in a world filled with distractions.
“We implore schools not to relent; this is only a stepping stone, and the sky is the limit,” he said.