The Jubril Martins-Kuye Foundation, established to honor the memory of the late Jubril Martins-Kuye, former Minister of State for Finance, has launched a bursary program aimed at supporting undergraduate medical students from Olabisi Onabanjo University, located in Ago Iwoye, Ogun State. Recently, the foundation awarded a total of 5 million Naira to 21 deserving medical students, all of whom are indigenes of the Ijebu-North Local Government Area. This initial disbursement marks the first batch of the bursary scheme, an initiative backed by Gbolahan Martins-Kuye, a family physician based in the United States and son of the late minister.
Gbolahan Martins-Kuye expressed that the bursary scheme serves as a significant investment in cultivating a generation of medical practitioners from Ijebu-North Local Government. According to him, the initiative is fundamentally a step towards securing a promising future for young individuals and enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare sector. With the emphasis on the harsh economic realities faced by many students, Martins-Kuye noted that this financial assistance aims to help recipients stay focused on their studies, encouraging them to excel without distraction.
The foundation’s commitment extends beyond financial support; it aims to foster a culture of academic excellence among beneficiaries. Gbolahan Martins-Kuye, a University of Lagos graduate and medical doctor, highlighted his aspiration to contribute positively to his community by nurturing future leaders and enhancing human capital in healthcare. He assured students that those who maintain good academic performance and a desire to support the foundation’s objectives could continue to benefit from the bursary in subsequent years.
Emmanuel Ugwu, the project coordinator for the bursary scheme, reiterated that the awards are specifically designated for Ijebu-North indigenes enrolled in the medical program at Olabisi Onabanjo University. He urged the recipients to honor the foundation’s support by remaining dedicated to their education. The scheme aims to create a strong academic culture and a sense of responsibility among the students, ensuring that they not only benefit from the financial assistance but also engage actively in their academic and community responsibilities.
At the ceremony, Mr. Taiwo Nodiru, the National President of the Ijebu Descendants, praised Gbolahan Martins-Kuye for launching the bursary amidst current national challenges. He emphasized that even though Martins-Kuye resides in Texas, his deep concern for his community back home is evident through his actions. Nodiru highlighted that the founding and operation of the foundation reflects the rich legacy left by Jubril Martins-Kuye, a leader known for his commitment to education, healthcare, and community development, ensuring that opportunities for growth and success are accessible to those in need.
The recipients of the bursary expressed their heartfelt gratitude on behalf of their peers. Obabi Zainab Ayomide, a fifth-year medical student, along with another student, Ogundipe Timothy, articulated how vital the support from the Jubril Martins-Kuye Foundation will be for their educational aspirations. They acknowledged that such initiatives not only encourage students in their academic journey but also uplift their communities. The foundation and its bursary program are a continuation of Jubril Martins-Kuye’s legacy, reinforcing the values of education, support, and progress in healthcare for future generations.
