The scholarship grants for university students at the Parish Community of SS Peter & Paul Pro-Cathedral, Lagere, Ile-Ife came to fulfilment, 17 November 2024; nine months after its pronouncement.

Recall that Chiefs Patrick and Eva Akinwuntan made this pronouncement at the installation ceremony of Parish Chiefs, Thursday 8 February 2024; where they declared that ten University students, each year, for a length of time will be sponsored. The couple are the ‘Baba and Iya Ewe’ of the parish. History has not forgotten that the family was the sole financier of the construction of St Patrick Catholic Church, Parakin Ile-Ife – now a quasi-parish; less than five minutes’ drive from main Parish at Lagere.

Each awardee received the sum of 250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira). Some of the major criteria deployed in the selection process are: Active participation and good moral standing of awardees in Church activities. Beneficiaries of the award included: Nwafor Benedicta (Geology, 200L, Obafemi Awolowo University), Erinle Kizito (Science Laboratory, 100L, Lagos State University), Okpara Linda (Material Science Engineering, 300L, Obafemi Awolowo University), Nzekwe Theresa (Software Engineering, 100L, Obafemi Awolowo University), Falade Anthonia (Public Health, 100L, University of Ilesa) Onyia Jennifer (Foreign Languages, 200L, Obafemi Awolowo University), Jude Lucia (Microbiology, 100L, Adekunle Ajasin University) Ejike Emmanual (Agricultural Engineering, 100L, Obafemi Awolowo University) and Oyeyemi Elizabeth (Dramatic Arts, Ekiti State University).

Although the award is stipulated for ten students each year, unforeseen circumstances led to nine being shortlisted for this 2024 maiden edition. The scholarship will recycle new set of ten students each year.

The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Adeyemi appreciated the Akinwuntan’s family for their continuous support to the Parish community. He challenged the awardees to be responsible and committed in their academics while iterating how important it is to follow the example of the sponsors later as they progress in life.

While the Cheques were presented to all awardees, accompanied by one of their parents during the 7.00am Mass, the 250,000 Naira was later transfer into their provided bank accounts during the week.

Also, the Parish Priest reported that ‘Baba Isale Ijo,’ Chief Augustine Omisade has a scholarship scheme for thirteen secondary and primary school students through the parish co-ordination. Some old members of the Altar Servers Association, have also announced grant to few young members per time.