In a heartwarming display of generosity, representatives of Jesus House, Baltimore (USA), led by Pastor Tola Odutola, were at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan on Thursday, 10th July 2025, to present 28 Laptops to some students under the Global Sponsorship of Academic Students Program (GSASP).
The hybrid event, which began at 9:45 a.m., brought together College Management, Deans of Faculties, distinguished guests and students. The program commenced with a prayer led by the immediate past Provost of the College, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun. This was followed by the introduction of the College management team, which included the Provost; Prof T.O. Ogundiran, the Secretary to the College; Mr. A.E. Odedele, the Financial Controller; Mr. S.O. Ayansina, the Medical Librarian; Dr Grace Ajuwon and the Deans of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Public Health, Dentistry and Nursing. The Chair, GSASP, Dr. Olabisi Oshikanlu and the Vice- Chairperson of GSASP, Prof Bukola Adesina also took part in the ceremony.
While welcoming the guests, the Provost expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Pastor Tola Odutola of Jesus House, Baltimore, and all their partners and CoMUI alumni who continue to invest in making the dreams of the students a reality. According to him, “together, we are shaping a brighter future.”
The Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA) was well represented by Dr. Gbolahan Obajimi, the Vice President I, who spoke on behalf of the President of ICOMAA Worldwide, Professor Samuel Omokhodion. Also present was Professor Adanze Asinobi, Vice President II . The executives conveyed profound gratitude on behalf of the alumni group and encouraged the students to emulate this spirit of giving when they have such opportunity in the future.
The event was witnessed by Mr. Idowu Lawanson, who first informed Pastor Tola Odutola about the GSASP initiative. It was disclosed that other people bought into the vision of providing scholarships for these students just by hearing Pastor Odutola speak about the need. Some of these public-spirited individuals also attended the event alongside other partners from Jesus House Baltimore.
The GSASP Chair, Dr. Olabisi Oshikanlu, pointed out that over ₦33 million (thirty-three million naira) has been committed to the sponsorship program by Jesus House, Baltimore, alone, thus making them the highest donor so far. While announcing that 100 additional students have been shortlisted for support, she expressed her desire that they would be brought onboard for financial assistance by September 2025. She then appealed for more supporters, sponsors and philanthropists whether individuals or organizations to help provide for the students waitlisted for assistance.
On behalf of other students, Henry Oyo, one of the beneficiaries, described how this support has enabled him to focus on his studies without having to worry about how to make ends meet. He pledged to replicate the kind gesture in the future.
In an emotion-laden response, Pastor Odutola, who spoke about his own early struggles and the challenges of being being raised by a single mother, urged the students never to let poverty define their future. He acknowledged the support from the Jesus House, Baltimore congregation and reiterated their resolve to do even more.
