The Jubril Martins-Kuye Foundation, established in honour of the late ex-Minister of State for Finance, Jubril Martins-Kuye, has awarded a total of N5 million in bursary funds to 21 undergraduate medical students at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago Iwoye, Ogun State.
The PUNCH reported that this marks the inaugural distribution of the bursary scheme initiated by Gbolahan Martins-Kuye, a family physician based in the United States and the son of the late minister.
The beneficiaries, all indigenes of Ijebu-North Local Government Area, were celebrated during a formal presentation where Martins-Kuye emphasized the importance of investing in future medical practitioners from the region.
In a statement delivered by the foundation’s Media Director, Femi Adeleye, on Friday, Martins-Kuye expressed his commitment to fostering a new generation of healthcare professionals.
He stated, “Additionally, this initiative is an intentional attempt towards securing the future of young people and boosting the healthcare sector. It is, therefore, a commitment to support students in achieving their dreams and to provide an opportunity for a better future to the students.”
Martins-Kuye acknowledged the economic challenges many face, stating, “I know the economy is biting… but this bursary has been designed to support you to stay focused and excel in your studies responsibly. So, it is given to you without winks! We therefore expect academic excellence, and we expect some feedback through the project coordinator, and of course, we will found an online community where we would periodically check up on you to see how you are fairing.”
A graduate of the University of Lagos, Martins-Kuye, who received his medical degree in 2000, shared that his drive to give back to his community stems from his aspiration to nurture future leaders and enhance human capital development within the healthcare sector.
He explained that the bursary program is aimed at sustaining academic excellence and indicated that students could continue to benefit from the scheme in subsequent years, provided they maintain high academic standards and express a commitment to collaborate with the organization.
Project coordinator Mr. Emmanuel Ugwu elaborated on the scheme, highlighting that it specifically targets medical students from Ijebu North in OOU, Ago-Iwoye. He urged the recipients to honor the opportunity by dedicating themselves to their studies.
At the event, the National President of Ijebu Descendants, Mr. Taiwo Nodiru, praised Gbolahan Martins-Kuye for his timely support to the students during these challenging times.
He remarked on Martins-Kuye’s awareness of the needs of his community, despite living in Texas, USA, and noted the significance of continuing the legacy of his father, Jubril Martins-Kuye, whose contributions to education, healthcare, and community development have left a lasting impact.
In a heartfelt response, Obabi Zainab Ayomide, a 500-level medical student, along with her fellow student, Ogundipe Timothy from the 400 level, expressed their gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries.
They emphasized that this much-needed financial support would significantly assist them in their educational journeys.
Jubril Martins-Kuye, affectionately known as JMK, passed away in January 2021 at the age of 78.
His legacy includes serving as the minister of state for finance under former President Olusegun Obasanjo and later as the minister of Commerce and Industry under former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010.
The foundation’s bursary initiative serves as a testament to his enduring impact on education and healthcare in Nigeria.
