Education

DMO Scholars

Helping children from poor families stay in school and fulfil their potential

276

scholars selected since 2017

public secondary schools reached

initial scholars offered support through university

For families facing financial hardship, the costs of education can become a barrier to a child’s schooling—even in public schools. DMO Scholars is GIPSED’s scholarship programme for pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools, helping reduce these financial barriers and supporting continuity in their education.

DMO Scholars are selected from communities across Odo-Otin, Ifelodun and Boripe Local Government Areas of Osun State. The intervention reflects the experience that inspired GIPSED: timely assistance can help a child remain in school and create opportunities to fulfil their potential.

How the programme began

DMO Scholars began in 2017 with an initial group of 76 pupils and students drawn from primary and middle schools across Odo-Otin LGA. GIPSED committed to supporting their education through the end of secondary school. Twelve of these initial scholars were selected for extended scholarship support through university.

Expanding across the three LGAs

Since 2017, the programme has expanded across Odo-Otin, Ifelodun and Boripe, reaching a cumulative total of 276 beneficiaries.

Working with school principals and the Nigeria Union of Teachers chairperson in each LGA, GIPSED extended the programme to all 42 public secondary schools across the three LGAs, selecting at least four beneficiaries from each school.

Additional scholarship places were awarded through school activities, including recognition of the girls’ football team at Odo-Otin Grammar School following its victory in an LGA-wide competition, and a career-day event at Oke-Iragbiji High School in Boripe LGA.

Approximately 20 scholars were selected from among the children of members of the Odo-Otin LGA branch of the association representing persons with disabilities.

What the scholarship provides

GIPSED pays scholars’ school fees and examination fees every term, helping families meet recurring education costs and enabling students to concentrate on learning.

Support also includes regular contact with scholars and their families. GIPSED field staff visit every term and meet with parents during in-person fee-payment visits. These interactions provide opportunities to discuss the scholars’ education and understand challenges they may be facing.

Scholars and their parents also participate in an annual mentorship session with GIPSED 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 sustained support through successive school years.

Working through local schools

GIPSED works with school heads, teachers and associations representing primary school headteachers and secondary school principals to support the scholars.

School leaders and teachers connect the programme with students and their families, helping GIPSED understand educational needs and coordinate support across participating schools. These relationships bring the founders’ commitment to education into the everyday lives of children at the grassroots.