In a country where education is often seen as the path to success, financial struggles continue to hold many students back, especially in private universities where tuition costs remain high. For students like Ruth Lily Oshin, the reality of economic hardship turned her academic journey into an emotional rollercoaster.
   
Her story, like those of many others, highlights both the challenges and the solutions being provided by institutions determined to ensure education remains accessible.
 
When Oshin gained admission to Fountain University in 2022, she was full of optimism. The future seemed bright, and she had big dreams for herself. But just a year later, those dreams were nearly derailed. Her father was diagnosed with lung cancer, and the family’s finances took a devastating hit.
 
“I gained admission in the 2022/2023 session, and everything was going well until my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer in my second year,” Oshin revealed.
 
With mounting medical bills and no steady income —  her father had stopped working due to his health, and her mother was unemployed — she faced a heartbreaking decision. She had to leave school so her younger brother, who also gained admission to Fountain University, could continue his education.
 
“My dad stopped working because of his health, and my mum had no job. We spent everything we had on his treatment. The only help we received was from my grandfather and my aunt, but even that wasn’t enough to cover everything.”
 
Forced to put her education on hold, Oshin tried to stay positive by enrolling in an Open University programme to avoid wasting time. But she often felt disheartened as she watched her friends and classmates progress while she remained stuck at home.  The miracle Oshin hoped for arrived in the form of Fountain University scholarship Initiative. When Oshin learnt about the scholarship programme through her school platform, she immediately returned to campus to apply alongside her brother. Both went through the interview process, but in the end, only her brother was awarded the scholarship.
 
“Only my brother was awarded a full scholarship. I was sad I didn’t get one too, but I was happy for him. It meant my family’s financial burden was reduced, and I could finally return to Fountain University to continue my studies. Even though I had to start over as a 200-level student when I should have been in 300-level, I was grateful for the opportunity to resume.”
 
Oshin’s story is one of many in higher institutions, where financial challenges have forced students to either delay their education or drop out altogether.  
   
Recognising the growing financial struggles of students, Prof. Olayinka Ramota Karim, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, took decisive steps to expand the university’s scholarship programme with support from philanthropic donors. The initiative is aimed to relieve students of financial burdens while encouraging academic excellence. In 2024 alone, over ₦46 million in scholarships were awarded to 155 students.
 
“We want to ensure that every student, regardless of their financial status, has access to education,” said the university’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Taoheed Alimi. “The scholarship programme is a reflection of the university’s commitment to student welfare. We are determined to make Fountain University affordable for everyone, no matter their financial background.”
  
Alimi explained that the initiative was made possible by the leadership of the university and the generosity of donors.
 
“Former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, for instance, created a scholarship in memory of his late sister, Alhaja Wosilat Aregbesola. Other donors, like philanthropist Jubril Ayinla, also contributed significantly to the fund.

“The feedback from students has been amazing.
 
“Many have shared how these scholarships have not only eased their financial burdens but also motivated them to excel academically. This initiative shows that we care deeply about our students and are committed to their success,” Alimi said.
  
For students like Asisat Maiyegun, the scholarship was life-changing. Maiyegun, a high-achieving student, received two scholarships — one for her academic excellence and another for financial need.
 
“The economy is tough, and I was just trying to help my parents with expenses. This scholarship has not only reduced our struggles but has also motivated me to aim even higher. It has always been my academic goal to be awarded a scholarship, and achieving this dream has alleviated so many struggles for my family,” Maiyegun said.
 
When asked about the challenges she faced before receiving the scholarship, Maiyegun pointed to the rising cost of living in Nigeria.
 
“The current economy has made everything more difficult. I was trying to balance my studies and help my parents financially, and it wasn’t easy. But receiving this scholarship has been a huge relief.”
 
Maiyegun has a word of encouragement for her fellow students: “Work hard and never give up. Even if you don’t qualify for a need-based scholarship, there are scholarships for brilliant students. Your efforts will be rewarded.”
  
Another beneficiary, Hammed Afolabi Osuolale, a 300-level Political Science student who also received the brilliant student scholarship, shared how the scholarship programme transformed his academic journey.
 
“When I received the news about the scholarship, I felt an urge to work even harder. It’s not just about the financial support; it’s a recognition of my effort and dedication. Everyone has been asking me how I was able to achieve this level of success, and I tell them it’s all about persistence and hard work,” Osuolale said.
 
He reflected on the challenges he faced before receiving the scholarship. “There’s a saying that ‘success concedes nothing without a struggle.’ I’ve always believed in giving my best, no matter the situation. I remember preparing for an MSS exam that I found very difficult. I didn’t understand much about the subject, but I sought help from knowledgeable friends, studied hard, and eventually passed with flying colours. The scholarship is a testament to that hard work.”
 
For Osuolale, the scholarship is more than financial relief; it’s a source of inspiration. “It has motivated me to do even better. I’ve realised that hard work pays off, and this recognition has pushed me to aim for even greater heights.”
 
Osuolale’s advice to other students echoed Asisat’s sentiments: “Never give up. Always work hard because your actions will determine your rewards. Success might take time, but it’s always worth the effort.”
  
While the scholarship initiative has provided hope to students like Oshin, Maiyegun, Osuolale, and over 150 others, there are still limitations to the programme. Despite its successes, some students in need may not have been covered due to limited resources. As Oshin’s experience shows, even within a single family, not all members in need can receive aid.
 
The initiative’s reliance on donor support also poses challenges, as the availability of funds could fluctuate in the future. Additionally, determining the most deserving candidates is a complex and sensitive process, requiring careful consideration to avoid bias or oversight.

“I’m still grateful,” Oshin said. “Even though I didn’t get the scholarship, my brother’s award has helped my family. It gave me a second chance, and for that, I’m thankful.”
 
As the university continues to expand its scholarship programme, the impact is undeniable. Beyond financial aid, the initiative represents a commitment to student welfare and academic excellence. It is a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support, students can overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. However, the programme’s limited scope highlights the need for increased funding and broader systemic solutions to ensure that no student is left behind.