Education is no longer a privilege—it’s becoming a promise. In a groundbreaking move, the University of Ilesa (UNILESA) announced that all programmes under its Faculty of Education would be completely tuition-free. This policy, which took effect in 2024, aims to revive interest in teaching among young people in Ilesa and across Osun State.

For years, many students turned away from education-related courses due to the financial burden and the profession’s low perception. Now, that narrative is changing. The tuition-free initiative has already sparked renewed hope, encouraging hundreds of aspiring teachers to pursue their dreams.

“We are investing not just in teachers, but in the future of our children,” said a senior university official during the announcement.

The move has drawn praise from NGOs and scholarship foundations, including the Dr. Adegoke Fajemisin Scholarship Fund (DAFSF), which has long championed accessible, quality education in Ilesa. The Fund plans to complement this initiative by offering merit-based scholarships and awards for outstanding student-teachers.

Challenges remain—including how to sustain funding and maintain quality amid increasing enrollment—but the vision is clear: to produce passionate educators who will shape Osun’s educational landscape for generations.

When education becomes free, dreams become possible—and hope becomes tangible.