Seyi Makinde’s Story, As Simple As His Dressing, Doles Out Naira 25M To Oyo Students
The Oasis Reporters
August 1, 2018
If you were to run into Seyi Makinde on the streets of Ibadan, South West Nigeria, chances are that you’d mistake his simple dressing and demeanor for a university student. Nothing in it will expose the boyish looking young man with an easy smile as one of Oyo State’s best known philanthropists.
The Oasis Reporters was at the Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall at the University College Hospital, Ibadan to witness the Bursary Award of 25 Million naira to 2,500 Tertiary Institutions students. While he boomed, “Great Nigerian Students” from the podium, the resonance from the audience was deafening in the full capacity filled hall.
Then take a look at the High Table occupied by achievers in the academia, industry and politics, all suitably attired in the rich tradition of Ibadan culture. Makinde looked so simple in sneakers, jeans and the simplest of all shirts which belied his status as Chief sponsor of the event.
Prof. Taoheed Adedoja set the tone of the event when he said, “once you have given someone education, you’ve given him everything. Not enough budgetary allocation to education*.
Dr. Saka Balogun who acquired his PhD in 1971 added his voice by echoing similar sentiments.
Seyi Makinde started the Bursary Scheme in 2006. He admonished the recipients to “be founders of similar schemes* in the future.
Seyi Makinde’s Story is as Simple As His own Dressing. Makinde Sees where Crude Oil is located, by the power of his education. Started out at St. Paul’s Primary school and completed his primary education at St. Michael’s Primary School, all in Ibadan.
For secondary education, he attended Bishop Phillips Academy in the same city before proceeding to the University of Lagos where he studied engineering.
He wants to serve his home state as governor.
“Give me resources to serve and help my people”, he says but what he is doing is beyond politics.
“You can’t take any resources out of this world”, and that is his underlying principle in giving abundantly.
Students were selected only based on circumstances.
According to him, 26 percent of budgetary allocation was recommended by UNESCO to education. But Oyo state allocates less than 2%. If elected, he will take the figure to a higher level, build infrastructure in schools and commit more to education. This will include taking care of, and motivating teachers.
“Students won’t learn sitting on used tires or on the floor”, he added. Part of his policy would be that any company operating profitably in Oyo State must adopt a school.
