Celebrating Beneficiaries of the Global Sponsor A Students’ Programme at
the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI) for their Outstanding Results in
the Pre-clinical Bachelor of Medicine (MB 1) Examinations
Four Names. Four Stories. Four Destinies.
Not long ago, they sat in the quiet corners of their rooms back home, wondering if their dreams of becoming doctors would ever survive the weight of financial hardship. They carried the weight of ambition on weary shoulders, battling sleepless nights filled with uncertainty. Although the journey is not done; today, they are grateful for what has been achieved and the victory ahead. Four students at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI), who are beneficiaries of the Global Sponsor A Student Programme (G-SASP), had distinctions in their Pre-clinical MB 1 examinations. They are proof that with the right support, resilience triumphs over adversity.
Rising Against the Odds
Victoria Elegbede is a 300-level medical student at the University of Ibadan who made a distinction in Anatomy. Her road to distinction in Anatomy was not an easy one. Before receiving the G-SASP scholarship through the Ibadan Medical Specialist Group (IMSG) MBBS Class of 1972, she balanced her studies with work as a makeup artist, because she had to support herself. Despite her struggles, she achieved a 4.0 GPA in her first year, but deep down, she feared that without financial help, her dream of becoming a doctor would slip away. “The impact of this scholarship has been life-changing,” she reflects. “It has allowed me to focus on what truly matters—my education. The financial support gave me the peace of mind to concentrate fully on my studies and to give back to my community, just as I promised myself I would.”
For Oluchukwu Divine-Gift Ndubueze, a Cecilia Oshikanlu scholar, her story was marked by personal hardships. “When I began my studies, my mother, a widow with limited financial resources, was very concerned. With my brother already in school, the added burden of financing my education seemed insurmountable. But everything changed when I was awarded the G-SASP Cecilia Oshikanlu Scholarship” In her 200 Level, she faced a severe illness that forced her to take a four-week medical leave, It was difficult for her to catch up as she felt overwhelmed. She had missed weeks of lectures and struggled to keep pace with her classmates. Doubt crept in, and at times, she wondered if she could still succeed. But she refused to give up. She persevered and pushed herself to study harder. With faith, she found the strength to keep going, and with the support of the G-SASP scholarship, she no longer had to worry about finances, thus allowing her to focus completely on her academics. In the end, her hard work paid off
“This success was not just the result of hard work, but of resilience, and the unwavering support I received from those who believed in me,” she added.
John Akalo Ogheneyole also has a story to share. For him, life before G-SASP was unbearable. “I was involved in lots of meager jobs just to survive, and it was affecting me academically, emotionally, and mentally,” he shares. His mother, a market trader, struggled to provide for him and his siblings. “The day I was awarded the scholarship changed my life because I was literally almost at the verge of taking a year off just to work and save up some funds.” Today, as a beneficiary of the Dr. Oluwafemi Agbayewa scholarship, John no longer has to worry about financing his school fees and upkeep.. “I can now give my 100% attention to my academics, and this has made the distinctions possible by the grace of God.”
Ibukunoluwa Morountonu also achieved a remarkable milestone. She had distinctions in Anatomy and Physiology. Her success is not just a personal victory but also a reflection of the generosity of Pastor Tola Odutola of Jesus House Baltimore, the largest donor to G-SASP. She recalls…, “I became a Jesus House Baltimore Scholar in 2023. The Global Sponsor a Student Scholarship under the Jesus House Baltimore scholarship was just what I needed. This scholarship has helped to cater for my tuition fee, cost of accommodation and professional levy. The support has been instrumental to my academic success as can be seen in the result of my first medical board examinations in which I got distinctions in Anatomy and Physiology.”
Their stories are more than just about academic success; they are also about changed lives, hope restored, and dreams brought to life. “The journey is not over,” says Victoria, “but with this scholarship, we now have the foundation to go on, finish well, and succeed. We can also build a future where we can help others the way we have been helped."
To the Ibadan Medical Specialist Group (IMSG), MBBS 1972, Cecilia Oshikanlu, Dr. Oluwafemi Agbayewa, Pastor Tola Odutola, and all G-SASP sponsors, these students are living proofs of the impact of your generosity. Their success is your legacy.
Victoria Elegbede
Oluchukwu Divine-Gift Ndubueze
John Akalo Ogheneyole
Ibukunoluwa Morountonu
The G-SASP Impact is a Call to Action
Dr. Olabisi Oshikanlu, Chair of the Global Sponsor-A-Student Programme (G-SASP), expressed immense pride in the students' achievements. She emphasised that their success reflects the true purpose of G-SASP, which is to ensure that no brilliant mind is left behind due to financial hardship. “These students are living proofs that when individuals are given the right opportunities, they can thrive,” she said. “At G-SASP, we believe that talent should never be wasted because of financial difficulties. Every scholar we support is a future leader in healthcare, and their success benefits us all.” Dr. Oshikanlu highlighted the growing efforts to bring in more sponsors, ensuring that more students can benefit from the programme. “We need more people to join this mission. Your support is not just an investment in education. It is an investment in the future of our nation's healthcare, and we can help even more students to achieve their dreams.”
She also noted that beyond financial aid, “G-SASP is built on a strong foundation of impact and sustainability through its ACEIT mission - Awareness, Continuity, Empowerment, Inspiring Trust and Transparency. By increasing awareness through community involvement, engaging both alumni and scholars, and ensuring continuity by building on existing structures, the programme remains strong. “Empowerment is at the heart of what we do, offering mentorship so that support is more than just financial assistance. We seek to inspire scholars to give back and uplift others, while maintaining trust and transparency, ensuring that everything we do is rooted in openness, integrity, and accountability.”
Dr. Oshikanlu expressed deep gratitude to everyone who has played a role in G-SASP’s success. She acknowledged the dedication of the Executive Committee, including the Co-Chair, Professor Olubukola Adesina (MBBS Class of 1991) and the Secretary, Dr. Bosede Adebayo (MBBS class of 2000); the Board Members; and the Administrative Staff, whose tireless efforts ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the programme. “These individuals are the backbone of this programme. Their hard work makes it possible for us to support and uplift our scholars, and I am deeply grateful for their commitment and passion,” she said.
Watch her message about G-SASP here: WATCH HERE
Chair, Global Sponsor A Student Programme (G-SASP)
Olabisi Oshikanlu
MD, FAAP, MBA, CPE
The success of these students aligns perfectly with the vision of Professor Temidayo Ogundiran FAS, the Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. Under his S7 Project - Students, Staff, Structure, Service, Strategic Partnership, Safety, and Sustainability. Student support remains a priority, and as established, academic support enhancements remain crucial for student success. The Provost has pledged to institute and sustain initiatives that “foster a supportive and enriching environment for students’ success within the College of Medicine.”
The Global Sponsor A Student Programme (G-SASP) was conceived to provide scholarship support to medical students from low-income backgrounds. The programme covers tuition, the Health Professional Training Levy (HPTL), accommodation, and personal upkeep. Currently, 222 students are benefitting from G-SASP, and under the supportive leadership of the Provost, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran FAS, the programme continues to flourish.
A Legacy of Support
The success of G-SASP is rooted in the vision of past and present leaders. Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS, the 12th Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, conceived and instituted G-SASP, laying the foundation for what has now become a life-changing initiative. The support of the Immediate Past President of Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association Worldwide (ICOMAA-WW), Professor Emmanuel Otolorin, and the Current President, Emeritus Professor Samuel Omokhodion, has been instrumental in ensuring that alumni continue to back this bold and crucial initiative.
With the continued sponsorship and commitment from the College leadership, G-SASP remains a source of encouragement and a beacon of hope for students who are daring to dream. The students we celebrate today represent countless others whose lives are waiting to be transformed if given the right support. So, will you sponsor a student today? Join G-SASP in building a future where no aspiring doctor is left behind.
Remember Education should never be a privilege for the few, but a right for all.