In Loving Memory

Solape Elizabeth Olorunsola, née Babalola, was born and raised in the historic Igbomoji Compound in Isan-Ekiti. From her earliest years, she demonstrated a natural gift for teaching and an insatiable hunger for knowledge. After completing her education, she dedicated herself entirely to the noble profession of teaching.

For over three decades, Mama Keji served as an educator in various schools across Ekiti State, touching the lives of thousands of students. She was more than a teacher—she was a mentor, counselor, and unwavering advocate for every child who entered her classroom. Her classroom was known as a place of warmth, discipline, and transformation. She had a unique ability to see potential in every child, even those whom others had written off.

What set Mama Keji apart was her profound understanding that education extended far beyond textbooks. She believed true education meant building character, instilling values, and nurturing the whole person. She would stay after school hours to help struggling students, often providing academic support, emotional encouragement, and sometimes material assistance from her own modest means.

Beyond the classroom, Solape was a pillar of the Isan-Ekiti community, actively involved in development initiatives focused on education and youth empowerment. She organized adult literacy programs and advocated tirelessly for better educational facilities. As a woman in education during an era when women's voices were often marginalized, she championed girls' education with particular passion, counseling many young women to pursue their dreams despite societal obstacles.

As a mother, Solape raised her four children—Morenikeji, Abayomi, Olumide, and Olalekan—with love, wisdom, and an uncompromising commitment to education and good character. She instilled in them values of integrity, service, and compassion that continue to guide them.

When Mama Keji passed away in January 2004, her funeral was attended by hundreds of former students, colleagues, and community members, all testifying to her profound impact. Her legacy continues through this scholarship program, ensuring that her vision of educational access and empowerment for the youth of Isan-Ekiti reaches new generations.

Mama Keji understood that investment in education is investment in the future. This scholarship program continues her life's work, ensuring that financial constraints never stand between deserving young people from Isan-Ekiti and their educational dreams.

Akinola Sanmi Peter Olorunsola was born in Ilale, a historic quarter of Isan-Ekiti, into a family known for its integrity and commitment to community service. From his youth, he exhibited unwavering honesty, deep respect for tradition, and an innate sense of responsibility to his community—qualities that would define his distinguished career in public service spanning several decades.

In an era when public service was often marred by corruption, Oga Peter stood as a shining example of what a dedicated civil servant should be. His colleagues knew him as someone who could not be compromised, who treated every responsibility with seriousness, and who viewed his position not as a source of personal enrichment but as an opportunity to serve the public good. He was known for making decisions based on what was right rather than what was popular, earning deep respect from both superiors and subordinates.

While his professional work was in the civil service, Akinola's passion for education was evident throughout his life. He believed deeply that education was the most powerful tool for individual advancement and national development. He was a regular presence at school events in Isan-Ekiti, speaking to students about the importance of education and character. Beyond speeches, he quietly assisted many young people with school fees, books, and other educational expenses, viewing it as his responsibility to the community.

In Isan-Ekiti, particularly in Ilale, Akinola was respected as a community elder and leader. People sought his counsel on various matters, knowing his advice would be wise and grounded in both traditional wisdom and modern understanding. He was actively involved in community development projects, always emphasizing initiatives that would benefit the youth.

As a father, Akinola was both firm and loving, setting high standards for his children—Morenikeji, Abayomi, Olumide, and Olalekan—through his own example. He showed them what it meant to work hard, maintain integrity, and never forget one's roots or responsibilities to the community. He taught them that education was not a means to wealth or status, but a tool for service.

When Akinola passed away in April 2016, the outpouring of grief from across Ekiti State testified to the breadth of his impact. His legacy lives on through this scholarship program, ensuring that his belief in the transformative power of education and commitment to supporting young people's aspirations continue to create opportunities for the youth of Isan-Ekiti.

Akinola Olorunsola understood that true wealth lies not in what we accumulate for ourselves, but in what we invest in others—particularly in the education and development of young people. This scholarship program continues that investment, ensuring his vision of an educated, empowered Isan-Ekiti becomes reality.