Former President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has offered to cover the outstanding relocation expenses of a brilliant Nigerian scholar, Adisa Blessing Oluwafikayo, a first-class Mathematics graduate of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), who recently secured a fully funded Master’s degree scholarship at the University of Calabria in Italy.
Saraki made the commitment on Saturday after coming across the young graduate’s appeal for financial assistance on social media. His intervention has since attracted widespread praise from Nigerians, with many describing it as a commendable investment in education and youth development.
The former Senate President announced his decision through his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, stating that no exceptional student should be denied the opportunity to pursue higher education because of financial constraints associated with relocation.
Oluwafikayo had earlier shared her inspiring academic journey and appealed to well-meaning Nigerians for support to enable her relocate to Italy, explaining that although her postgraduate programme was fully funded, she still needed financial assistance to cover travel and other relocation expenses.
In her post, she introduced herself as a graduate of Mathematics from the University of Ilorin, where she graduated with a remarkable cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.76 on a 5.00-point scale.
She wrote: “Help Make My Scholarship Dream Come True.
“I’m Adisa Blessing Oluwafikayo, a First-Class Mathematics graduate (CGPA: 4.76/5.0) from the University of Ilorin.
“I’m happy to have been awarded a fully funded Master’s scholarship in Mathematics at the University of Calabria, Italy.”
Her appeal quickly gained attention on social media, with many Nigerians commending her academic excellence while expressing hope that she would receive the support required to take advantage of the international opportunity.
Among those moved by her story was Saraki, who described her achievement as extraordinary and worthy of encouragement.
Responding publicly to her appeal, the former Kwara State governor praised her exceptional academic performance, noting that earning a first-class degree in Mathematics before securing a fully funded postgraduate scholarship abroad reflected the immense potential of Nigerian youths.
“Dear Blessing, I just came across your tweet, and it truly inspired me,” Saraki wrote.
“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 added that talented young people should never be prevented from achieving their dreams because of financial limitations, particularly after working so hard to earn prestigious academic opportunities.
“No young person who has worked this hard should have such an opportunity limited by the cost of getting there,” he stated.
“It would be my privilege to support your journey by covering what is left in the cost of your relocation.”
Saraki also disclosed that a member of his team would immediately reach out to the young scholar to facilitate the support.
“#nancy_i_i from my office will reach out to you today. Congratulations once again. Go, excel, and continue to make Nigeria proud,” he added.
His intervention was warmly received across social media, where many Nigerians commended the former Senate President for demonstrating practical support for academic excellence.
Several users described the gesture as an example of responsive leadership that prioritises investment in human capital and education.
Reacting to the announcement, an X user identified as #kingkunlecs wrote: “Wow, this is incredible. Encouraging academic achievement like this increases more performance among youths. God bless you, sir.”
Another user, #ClownFolarin, praised Saraki’s leadership style, saying: “This is one reason I’ll never stop respecting and following your leadership style.”
Similarly, #Abdyekeen_Bash described the intervention as another demonstration of Saraki’s commitment to supporting Nigerians regardless of their background.
“Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki is the leader anyone from anywhere in any part of this country can always count on in times of need like this. Many thanks for the gesture and congratulations to the young scholar,” the user posted.
Others also applauded the prompt response.
An X user identified as #aoidowu1309 wrote, “This is an amazing gesture. God bless you.”
Another commenter, @ChrisUgo18, described Saraki’s intervention as “a classic example of people-oriented leadership and investment in people and education.”
The development comes at a time when many outstanding Nigerian students continue to secure admission and scholarships into prestigious foreign universities but often struggle to raise funds required for travel, visa processing, accommodation, and other relocation expenses not covered by scholarship packages.
While many international scholarships provide tuition, research grants and stipends, beneficiaries are frequently expected to independently fund certain pre-departure expenses, creating financial hurdles for students from low- and middle-income backgrounds.
For Oluwafikayo, Saraki’s intervention appears to have removed one of the final obstacles standing between her and the opportunity to pursue advanced studies in Italy.
Her academic record has also been widely celebrated as a testament to hard work, resilience and dedication to excellence.
Graduating with a CGPA of 4.76 out of 5.00 in Mathematics—a discipline widely regarded as one of the most demanding university programmes—has earned her admiration from academics and members of the public alike.
Saraki, who served as Governor of Kwara State before becoming President of the Senate, has consistently supported educational initiatives and youth empowerment programmes over the years.
He has previously recognised exceptional students from the University of Ilorin and supported various scholarship and educational development initiatives aimed at encouraging academic excellence.
His latest gesture reinforces the importance of rewarding merit
