Gov. Abiodun gifts N8 million to OOU best graduating students

The State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has awarded the sum of N8,000,000 to the top four best-graduating students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye.

The award was announced at the recent combined 32nd and 33rd convocation ceremony, stating that every student will receive N2 million.

The recent convocation celebrated the academic achievements of the graduands from the academic sessions of 2021/2022 and 2022/2023. During this event, over 15,000 deserving students were awarded degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Master’s Degrees, and PhDs in various disciplines.

OOU management previously acknowledged three outstanding students: Talabi Ayomide from the Biochemistry Department, Adesanya Damilola from Pharmacology, and Aĺabi Ifeoluwa, who studied Computer Engineering.

These exceptional individuals attained an impressive 4.86 CGPA, and as a token of appreciation for their outstanding academic performance, they were each awarded a cash prize of N2 million.

Miss Adegoke Azeezat, a Pharmacology graduate, achieved the highest CGPA of 4.90 in the 2022/2023 academic session. As a result, Governor Abiodun has announced a cash prize of N2m for her outstanding achievement.

In addition, a cash reward of N500,000 will be given to the top graduate from each department.

Deputy Noimot Salako-Oyedele, representing Abiodun, expressed her congratulations to the graduands and emphasized the state government’s commitment to education. She assured them that the government will continue to allocate ample funding and support to cultivate highly skilled individuals who can make significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of the nation.

He, however, urged the students to be proud ambassadors of the university, saying, “As you are being released into the world, please note that your degree has equipped you with the necessary skills to be innovators and problem solvers.

“The business environment is evolving, and degrees acquired should not be seen as the end of your learning, but the onset of another vista in your lives”.

“I therefore charge you to brace yourself for a competitive work environment where what you consider excellent might not even be considered good; hence, you must aspire for the best.”

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Ayodeji Agboola, announced that his administration had been actively pursuing initiatives to enhance academic excellence and fulfil the university’s vision.

He mentioned that the university has introduced 10 new programs, including Medical Laboratory Science, Forensic Science, and Taxation, and has also established a Business School. Additionally, the Open and Distance Learning Centre is set to begin operations soon.

The primary goal of Agboola’s administration is to transform OOU into a world-class university that produces graduates who are catalysts for innovation, entrepreneurship, and global employment. This objective is outlined in a ten-year plan spanning from 2023 to 2033.

In his address to the graduates, Agboola congratulated them and encouraged them to seize the abundant opportunities that await them in the future. He emphasized the importance of using the knowledge they have acquired during their studies to make a positive impact on the world and to serve as proud ambassadors of the university.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed his gratitude to Governor Abiodun and Prof Toyin Ashiru-led Governing Board for their unwavering support and commitment to prioritizing quality education. He acknowledged that their dedication has contributed to the growth of academic excellence and infrastructure development within the university.

The occasion also included the conferral of an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Science upon the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Adewale Ajayi, as well as Mosunmola Belo-Olusoga, the immediate past Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the university.