Meet the 2026 BAG Scholars — Announcing This Year’s Winners
Meet the 2026 BAG Scholars — Announcing This Year’s Winners
The moment we have been working towards since the beginning of the year has arrived. It is my deep honour to announce the winners of the BAG Scholar Initiative 2026.
A Note Before the Announcement
Before naming the scholars, I want to say something to every student who applied: thank you. Genuinely. The act of sitting down, reflecting carefully on how education could transform your community, and committing that reflection to paper is itself a form of scholarship. You did not just enter a competition. You practised one of the most important skills a person can have.
Many of the essays we received were remarkable. The decision was not easy. What distinguished the selected scholars was not just the quality of their writing, but the depth of their thinking, the honesty of their observations, and the specificity of their vision. These are students who already see their communities as something they are responsible for.
The 2026 BAG Scholars — Announced
Yusuf Rofiat Adewale
Akintan Senior Grammar School, Lagos · SS3 · 81.4% — 1st in Class
Rofiat achieved an 81.4% average and ranked 1st in her entire class, earning her school’s Gold Award and an “Outstanding Performance” commendation from both her class teacher and principal. Her essay demonstrated maturity and community-consciousness well beyond her years.
Eduno Emmanuel Oigocho
College of the Immaculate Conception, Enugu · SS2 · 74.40% · Deputy Senior Prefect
As Deputy Senior Prefect of CIC Enugu, Emmanuel demonstrates leadership as well as academic excellence. His Principal, Fr. Oliver Ngwu, described him as “among the best-performing students in his set.” His essay was honest and showed a young man who understands education carries a responsibility to others.
Eduno Happiness Oyilonye
Command Day Secondary School, Enugu · JSS3 · Aspiring Lawyer
Happiness demonstrated remarkable determination throughout the application process. Recommended by Lt. Col. AD Rabiu, Commandant of Command Day Secondary School, she aspires to study Law and serve her community. Her financial need was clearly demonstrated and her commitment unwavering.
⭐ Special Recognition Awards — ₦10,000 Each
These two applicants submitted complete, high-quality applications and distinguished themselves through exceptional character, creativity, and commitment. The BAG Foundation is proud to honour them each with a ₦10,000 Recognition Award.
Iwabi Seido Enoch
Araromi Ilogbo Senior Secondary School, Badagry · SS2 · 69.78% · 100% Attendance (122/122 days)
Enoch’s essay was among the finest we received. He described studying in a class of 140 students, walking long distances to school, and creating ENOCH CBT — a computer-based test platform he built himself. He attended every single day of school and aspires to become a neurosurgeon. This Foundation will be watching his journey.
Mkpoikanke Unyime Akpanowo
Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom · JSS3 · 67% · Promoted
As a student of Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene — one of Nigeria’s most respected federal schools — Mkpoikanke submitted a thorough, professionally presented application complete with letters from his School Administrator and Chief Edet Okon, Community Leader of Ikot Ekpene Village. His discipline and determination impressed the selection committee greatly.
The prize fund will increase in 2027. We are committed to raising the Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Recognition awards to reflect the growing ambition of this programme and the exceptional quality of students who apply. Watch this space — the best is yet to come.
What Happens Next
The selected scholars will receive their awards by bank transfer. Each scholar will also receive a personal message from Dr Babalola acknowledging their achievement and outlining what the Foundation hopes for their future.
To the 2027 Applicants
The BAG Scholar Initiative will return in 2027. If you applied this year and were not selected, please do not be discouraged. Strengthen your essay. Continue your academic work. Come back. The Foundation is not going anywhere — and neither, I hope, is your ambition.
Support the next generation of BAG Scholars — every contribution makes a difference.
15+ years teaching across Nigeria and China. Founder of the BAG Foundation.
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