The beneficiary, Adisa Blessing Oluwafikayo, a First-Class Mathematics graduate of the University of Ilorin, had secured a fully funded Master’s scholarship in Mathematics at the University of Calabria, but required additional financial assistance to enable her travel and settlement abroad.
Her appeal, shared publicly on social media platform X, quickly gained attention before Saraki stepped in with a promise of support.
“You have demonstrated excellence” — Saraki responds
Saraki, reacting via his verified X handle, said he was inspired after coming across her post and commended her academic record and determination.
He wrote:
“Dear Blessing, I just came across your tweet, and it truly inspired me. To graduate with a First Class in Mathematics from UNILORIN and then earn a fully funded Master’s admission in Italy is an extraordinary achievement. You have demonstrated excellence and the promise that exists in so many young Nigerians,” Saraki wrote.
He further emphasized the importance of ensuring that financial barriers do not block deserving students from accessing global opportunities:
“No young person who has worked this hard should have such an opportunity limited by the cost of getting there. It would be my privilege to support your journey by covering what is left in the cost of your relocation. #nancy_i_i from my office will reach out to you today. Congratulations once again. Go, excel, and continue to make Nigeria proud.”
A scholarship dream nearly halted by relocation costs
Adisa Blessing Oluwafikayo, who graduated with an impressive CGPA of 4.76/5.0, had earlier expressed excitement about her admission but appealed for assistance to bridge the gap left after tuition funding was secured.
In her words:
“Help Make My Scholarship Dream Come True 🙏
“I’m Adisa Blessing Oluwafikayo, a First-Class Mathematics graduate (CGPA: 4.76/5.0) from UNILORIN.
“I’m happy to have been awarded a fully funded Master’s scholarship in Mathematics at the University of Calabria, Italy.”
Her situation reflects a recurring challenge among many high-achieving Nigerian graduates who secure international scholarships but still struggle with travel, visa, and relocation expenses.
Social media applause and public reactions
Following Saraki’s pledge, social media users widely praised the intervention, describing it as a model of leadership that directly supports education and youth development.
One user, #kingkunlecs, wrote:
“Wow this is incredible. Encouraging academic achievement like this increase more performance among youths…. God bless you sir.”
Another commenter, #ClownFolarin, added:
“This is one reason I’ll never stop respecting and following your leadership style.”
Similarly, #Abdyekeen_Bash noted:
“Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki is the leader anyone from anywhere in any part of this country can always count on in dire times of need like this… Many thanks for the gesture and congratulations to the young scholars.”
Others focused on the broader impact of the intervention. #aoidowu1309 simply wrote, “This is an amazing gesture, God bless you,” while @ChrisUgo18 described it as “Classic example of people-oriented leadership and investment in people and education.”
A broader conversation on talent and opportunity
The development has once again highlighted the growing number of young Nigerians pursuing academic and professional opportunities abroad, often driven by limited resources and economic constraints at home.
For many observers, the case of Adisa Blessing represents both the promise of Nigerian academic talent and the practical hurdles that can delay or derail global ambitions even after major academic success.
Saraki, a former governor of Kwara State and long-time political figure, has previously supported educational causes, including recognition and assistance for outstanding students of UNILORIN. His latest intervention reinforces that continuing focus on education as a pathway to national development.
For Blessing, the immediate hurdle appears to be easing, as her journey toward Italy is now expected to proceed with renewed hope and support.