Her outstanding performance in the 2023 Cambridge examinations did not go unnoticed. It attracted commendations from several high-profile Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, alongside numerous other personalities both within and outside the country. The recognition was a testament to the calibre of her achievement and the pride it brought to her home country.
Oluwabukolami, who is originally from Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, was hosted by the then Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, at the Government House in August 2023. During that reception, Governor Bello acknowledged her academic brilliance by awarding her a comprehensive scholarship. The package covered her tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and other costs for the entire duration of her studies in the United Kingdom. It was a gesture aimed at ensuring that financial constraints would not hinder her from reaching her full potential.
True to the confidence placed in her, Oluwabukolami has now justified that support by graduating with first-class honours in Law. The news of her success was received with great excitement by Yahaya Bello, who has since extended another scholarship to her. This new award is intended to sponsor her master’s degree programme, also in the United Kingdom, allowing her to further her education without interruption.
In a heartfelt video message, Oluwabukolami expressed deep gratitude to the former governor. She described him as “God sent to humanity” and thanked him for the opportunities his intervention created for her. Her words reflected not only personal appreciation but also the wider impact such support can have on young, gifted Nigerians.
Her father, Engr. Olumide Adeyemi, also spoke about the role Yahaya Bello played in his daughter’s academic journey. He stated that without the former governor’s assistance, it would have been extremely difficult for the family to fund Oluwabukolami’s foreign education, despite her obvious brilliance. He noted that Bello did not allow his daughter’s potential to be cut short by financial limitations. According to him, this kind of generosity was not limited to Oluwabukolami alone, as the former governor had supported many other students in similar ways. He offered prayers for Yahaya Bello, asking God to grant him long life, good health, and the fulfilment of his desires.
It will be recalled that in September 2023, Yahaya Bello had formally fulfilled his pledge by presenting the private scholarship to Oluwabukolami to support her law studies abroad. She had earned the Cambridge award after posting the highest scores in the 2022 Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge AS Level Examinations, outperforming candidates from 146 countries. Her latest achievement in Newcastle now stands as further proof of the value of investing in young talent, and her story continues to inspire students across Nigeria who aspire to academic excellence on the world stage.
