The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday officially unveiled the Imole SSCE Scholarship Award, reiterating his administration’s commitment to educational development while also urging residents to be wary of inducements ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

“The scheme is aimed at rewarding academic excellence and strengthening the education sector in the state,” the spokesperson to the governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, said in a statement issued after the event.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the scholarship programme held at Osun State University, Adeleke said the initiative was designed to celebrate outstanding performance among students, teachers, and parents, while also consolidating the state’s reported improvement in national education rankings.

He disclosed that the state currently occupies the seventh position in national NECO performance, citing reports presented by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dipo Eluwole, covering the 2024 and 2025 examination cycles.

The governor, however, used the occasion to caution residents against what he described as politically motivated inducements ahead of the forthcoming election, urging voters to reject what he termed “illegality and corruption” at the polls.

According to him, Osun residents must “shun inducements and reject any attempt to undermine democratic processes,” insisting that his administration remains committed to delivering democratic dividends.

Also speaking at the event, the lead consultant for the Electronic Collection Group and partner on the scholarship scheme, Engr. Kayode Akinmade, commended the initiative, describing it as a major boost for the state’s education sector.

The event was attended by top government officials, including the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, and cabinet members among others.