Daud Olatunji
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Friday, announced a total cash reward of N9.5 million for 14 top graduating students of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, during the institution’s 34th convocation ceremony.
The governor emphasized that no Ogun student would be denied access to quality education.
Delivering a speech on his behalf, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele commended the exceptional achievements of the students, highlighting their contributions to academic excellence.
He said each of the 14 top students would receive N500,000, with the overall best student, Miss Aisha Anuoluwapo Dauda, receiving an additional N2.5 million, totaling N3 million.
Abiodun reaffirmed that education should be inclusive, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academic success.
“We are determined to ensure that no Ogun State student is denied access to quality education due to financial constraints,” he stated, noting that his administration’s scholarship and bursary programs have benefited thousands of students both locally and internationally.
The governor also lauded the federal government’s National Education Loan Fund (NELFund), which has provided vital support to students in tertiary institutions.
“These efforts align with our government’s mission to ease the financial burden of our students and ensure they acquire the education needed for a secure future,” Abiodun added.
In his speech, the governor expressed immense pride in the 14 exceptional students, recognizing their hard work and perseverance.
He further stressed that his administration remains committed to advancing education by fostering an enabling environment for learning.
“Education is the foundation of a progressive society. It fuels innovation, drives empowerment, and serves as a catalyst for development,” Abiodun stated.
He also commended OOU for its role in promoting academic excellence and research, praising the university as a key player in Ogun State’s pursuit of becoming a hub for academic innovation.
Abiodun reiterated his government’s commitment to improving university infrastructure, which includes the construction of modern lecture halls, state-of-the-art laboratories, student accommodations, and recreational facilities.
“We will ensure that the university has access to advanced technology and cutting-edge resources to enhance research, teaching, and learning. In this digital age, education must evolve,” the governor remarked, pledging continued support for OOU..
He also committed to expanding e-learning infrastructure and digital resources to keep students competitive on the global stage.
Governor Abiodun acknowledged the contribution of the convocation lecturer, Arc. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFUND, for his thought-provoking address. He praised TETFUND’s role in improving education across Nigeria, especially in Ogun State, where several tertiary institutions have benefited from its support.
In addition, Abiodun highlighted the creation of the Ogun State Education Trust Fund (OETFund) in 2020, aimed at enhancing infrastructure development in state-owned tertiary institutions not covered by TETFUND.
He shared plans to expand the fund to include primary and secondary schools, underscoring his administration’s commitment to providing quality education at all levels.
The governor called on individuals, corporate organizations, and private sector players to collaborate with the state government in advancing educational development in Ogun State.
“Together, we can build a future where every child has access to quality education and every graduate has the skills and knowledge to succeed,” he said.
The ceremony also saw the conferment of an honorary Doctor of Science degree on Dr. Adekunle Olubola Hassan, a distinguished ophthalmologist and philanthropist, for his contributions to healthcare and education.
Governor Abiodun expressed gratitude for Dr. Hassan’s N500 million donation to the university, which included funding a Professorial Chair in Ophthalmology and a N500 million School of Eye Health.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor of OOU, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, highlighted the university’s efforts in enhancing its teaching, learning, and research facilities, citing significant investments aimed at improving education quality.
Agboola noted that the university had recently unveiled new lecture halls with state-of-the-art technology, expanded computer labs, and enhanced digital platforms for e-learning.
“Earlier this month, the university’s Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences in Sagamu was approved for the establishment of a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Centre, funded through the 2024 Intervention in ICT Support by TETFund,” Agboola said.
He also mentioned that the university had upgraded its laboratories, positioning it for groundbreaking research.
Agboola further emphasized the university’s commitment to infrastructure development, including the construction of new buildings, renovation of existing facilities, and expansion of campus amenities.
“Enhanced accessibility has been prioritized to ensure an inclusive environment for all students and staff.”
The Vice Chancellor also expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s TETFund, acknowledging its transformative role in the development of tertiary institutions across Nigeria, including OOU.
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