Ogun Announces Business Support and Free Digital Skills Training for Graduates

Ogun State has announced plans to introduce new business start-up support of up to ₦250,000 and digital skills training for selected beneficiaries of the Gbemiga Abiodun Education Support Programme.

Follow us on Google News

The initiative, established in memory of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s late son, Gbemiga, will support 1,277 students across primary, secondary, technical college and tertiary levels in 2026/2027.

Speaking at the programme’s fourth edition on Friday, October 9, 2026, the governor said 831 beneficiaries received scholarships totalling ₦99.1m during the 2025/2026 award year.

For the new academic session, 336 primary pupils, 584 secondary school students, 83 technical college students and 274 tertiary students are expected to benefit. The programme has also expanded to cover all nine local government areas in Ogun East Senatorial District.

Abiodun said more than 3,000 online applications were received, including over 1,500 from Ogun East. After the selection process, 150 new tertiary beneficiaries were chosen, while 124 continuing beneficiaries brought the total tertiary scholarship recipients to 274.

The programme will also assist 80 Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) students preparing for examinations and transition to higher education. The UTME and SSCE Support Programme will provide assistance with Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration, revision and practice through the LearnOn WhatsApp platform.

The governor said the initiative aims to reduce financial pressure on families while helping young people gain knowledge, confidence and practical skills for self-reliance.

Technical college beneficiaries previously received ₦150,000 each for basic training equipment. According to Abiodun, some have begun practising their trades, taking paid jobs and improving their livelihoods.

Under the 2026/2027 framework, 20 graduating technical college and tertiary institution beneficiaries with viable business ideas are expected to receive business development training, mentorship and start-up support of up to ₦250,000 each. The announcement did not say that these new grants had already been paid or that applications were open to the general public.

Another 30 selected tertiary beneficiaries are expected to receive digital skills training in digital marketing, software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and user interface and user experience (UI/UX) design.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, commended the programme for helping students overcome financial barriers and urged beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies.

Programme coordinator Reverend Bola Oyeledun highlighted the expansion across Ogun East, while Lamisa Abiodun, sister of the late Gbemiga, encouraged students, particularly technical college beneficiaries, to take their training seriously and use their skills productively.

Abiodun thanked the programme’s board and management, ministry officials, teachers, school administrators, community leaders and partners. He also urged parents and guardians to monitor students’ progress and maintain contact with their teachers.

The governor said he hoped the programme would continue to expand and prevent family financial difficulties from limiting children’s educational opportunities.

Who can benefit

The scholarships cover selected primary, secondary, technical college and tertiary students. The planned business support is for 20 selected graduating technical college and tertiary beneficiaries with viable business ideas, while digital skills training is intended for 30 selected tertiary beneficiaries.

How to apply

The announcement did not provide a new application link or confirm that applications are open for the business support or digital skills components. Interested students should follow official Ogun State Government and programme announcements for any future application instructions.