More Than a Charity
A Movement for Educational Justice

Our Story

The Indigent Scholars Support Foundation (ISSF) was born out of years of quiet, personal acts of kindness—helping children and young people within my immediate church and community to stay in school and pursue their dreams.

It began with MaryAnne Abekhe, a bright young woman admitted to study International Law and Diplomacy. I partially sponsored her education, supplementing the occasional contributions from her relatives. Over the years, there were other young people whose WAEC or JAMB forms I paid for, or whose school clearance fees I covered so they could collect their certificates.

A Turning Point – Moving to Akute
After getting married, I moved to Akute, a border town between Lagos and Ogun State.

Unlike Lagos, which has numerous public schools, Akute has very few. Private primary and secondary schools thrive here, but rising economic hardship has pushed fees beyond the reach of many families.

I began to notice an alarming pattern – children idling at home during school hours. Their reasons were painfully similar:

“They sent us home for school fees.”

“My daddy hasn’t paid.”

“We can’t afford to move to the next class.”

One case stood out – Philip Umoh, Head Boy of his school, who passed his WAEC with flying colours. Yet for three years, he could not further his education because his parents (a vegetable seller and an okada rider) could not afford the university costs.

The First Step
One day, while buying vegetables from his mother, I spoke to Philip and encouraged him to apply to any nearby school so we could find a way to fund it. That conversation changed his life. He was admitted to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, for an OND in Computer Engineering.

Generous individuals stepped forward to sponsor his two-year programme. This marked the unofficial start of ISSF’s work. Soon, his siblings, Deborah, Testimony, and Stephen, also returned to school or began higher education with our support.

From One Family to Many
What began as restoring hope to one family grew into a mission. Today, 26 children are being assisted, each with a verified and confidential backstory. Support goes beyond school fees – we also offer mentorship and counselling to help them rise above their circumstances and seize the opportunities given to them.

Structured for Impact
In July 2023, encouraged by Pastor Tunmise Joel Adetona, we officially registered as an NGO – Indigent Scholars Support Foundation – with a Board of Trustees, a dedicated bank account, and a growing advisory network. A website is currently being developed to strengthen our credibility and visibility.

Transforming Lives
Our scholars are not just studying – they are being equipped for life:

Philip completed his OND in Computer Engineering at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta and trained in Videography and Cinematography at PEFTI Film Institute, Isolo, from April to June 2025.

Deborah finished her OND in Accounting Lagos State Polytechnic Ikorodu and is now learning Nail and Lash Technology.

Testimony just concluded his WAEC (7 Credits) and is projected for training in either Graphic Design or Fashion Designing at PEFTI.

Our Passion & Vision
We are committed to ensuring no child identified for help is left behind. With continued financial support, we aim to keep more children in school, mentor them, and open doors to skill acquisition – giving them a real chance to break the cycle of poverty.

This journey has been rewarding beyond words. Every success story is a testament to God’s grace and the generosity of every friend, donor, and volunteer who has made it possible.

Together, we are changing lives—one scholar at a time.