Education
DMO Scholars
Helping children stay in school and pursue their potential
scholars selected since 2017
public secondary schools reached
initial scholars offered support through university
For families facing financial hardship, education costs can become a barrier to a child’s schooling—even in public schools. DMO Scholars supports pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools, helping reduce these barriers and sustain their education.
How the programme began
DMO Scholars began in 2017 with 76 pupils from primary and middle schools across Odo-Otin LGA. Pupils in Grades 4 and 6 participated in a Spelling Bee, and all 76 participants were selected for support through the end of secondary school. The 12 best-performing pupils were selected for extended scholarship support through university.
The programme reflects the experience that inspired GIPSED: timely assistance can help a child remain in school and have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
Expanding across the three LGAs
The programme subsequently selected beneficiaries from communities across Odo-Otin, Ifelodun and Boripe, bringing the total selected since 2017 to 276.
Working with school principals and the Nigeria Union of Teachers chairperson in each LGA, GIPSED extended the programme to all 42 public secondary schools, selecting at least four beneficiaries from each school. Additional places went to Odo-Otin Grammar School and Oke-Iragbiji High School in recognition of girls’ football and career-day activities. About 20 scholars were selected from children of members of the Odo-Otin association representing persons with disabilities.
What the scholarship provides
GIPSED pays scholars’ school fees and examination fees every term. Field staff visit scholars each term and meet with their parents during in-person fee-payment visits. These conversations help the team understand educational progress and challenges families may be facing.
Scholars and parents also participate in an annual mentorship session with co-founder Dr Michael Olugbile. Co-founder Mrs Oluwapelumi Olugbile visits scholars as part of the programme’s continuing engagement. By combining financial assistance, family engagement and mentorship, DMO Scholars provides support through successive school years.
Working through local schools
School heads, teachers and associations representing primary headteachers and secondary principals connect GIPSED with students and their families. These relationships help coordinate support and keep the programme close to the needs of each school.
The photographs below document school visits, meetings with parents and the founders’ engagement with scholars. The cumulative total of 276 scholars is different from the number receiving support in any particular term.
From our communities
The programme in pictures
