Saraki Offers to Fund Relocation of UNILORIN First-Class Graduate to Italy

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has pledged to cover the remaining relocation costs of Adisa Blessing Oluwafikayo, a First-Class Mathematics graduate of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), who recently secured a fully funded Master's scholarship at the University of Calabria, Italy.

Saraki made the pledge on Saturday through his verified X account, @bukolasaraki, after coming across the young scholar's appeal for financial assistance to enable her travel to Italy.

In her post, Oluwafikayo introduced herself as a First-Class Mathematics graduate with a CGPA of 4.76/5.0 and announced that she had been awarded a fully funded Master's scholarship in Mathematics at the University of Calabria.

She wrote, "Help Make My Scholarship Dream Come True.

"I am Adisa Blessing Oluwafikayo, a First-Class Mathematics graduate (CGPA: 4.76/5.0) from the University of Ilorin.

"I am delighted to have been awarded a fully funded Master's scholarship in Mathematics at the University of Calabria, Italy."

Responding to her appeal, Saraki praised her exceptional academic achievement and assured her of his support.

"Dear Blessing, I just came across your tweet, and it truly inspired me. To graduate with a First Class in Mathematics from UNILORIN and then earn a fully funded Master's admission in Italy is an extraordinary achievement. You have demonstrated excellence and the promise that exists in so many young Nigerians," he wrote.

He added, "No young person who has worked this hard should have such an opportunity limited by the cost of getting there. It would be my privilege to support your journey by covering what is left of the cost of your relocation. Nancy from my office will reach out to you today. Congratulations once again. Go, excel, and continue to make Nigeria proud."

Saraki's gesture attracted widespread praise on social media, with many Nigerians describing it as a timely investment in education and youth development.

A user identified as @kingkunlecs wrote, "Wow, this is incredible. Encouraging academic achievement like this inspires more excellence among young people. God bless you, sir."

Another user, @ClownFolarin, said, "This is one reason I'll never stop respecting and following your leadership style."

Similarly, @Abdyekeen_Bash described Saraki as "a leader anyone from any part of the country can count on in times of need," while congratulating the young scholar.

Other users also commended the intervention. @aoidowu1309 described it as "an amazing gesture," while @ChrisUgo18 called it "a classic example of people-oriented leadership and investment in education."

Before Saraki's intervention, Oluwafikayo had publicly appealed for financial support to cover her travel and settlement expenses, explaining that although her scholarship covered tuition and other academic costs, she still needed assistance with relocation expenses before commencing her studies in Italy.

The development comes at a time when many talented Nigerian students continue to seek educational opportunities abroad despite the country's economic challenges.

Saraki, a former Governor of Kwara State, has previously supported educational initiatives and outstanding students. His latest intervention further reflects his continued commitment to promoting academic excellence and empowering young Nigerians.