Ogun state government gives N3million to overall best graduating student of Olabisi Onabanjo University

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has awarded the overall best graduating student of the Olabisi Onabanjo University in the 2023/2024 session, Miss Dauda Aishat Anuoluwapo a sum of N3million as well as 14 others who performed excellently in different faculties receiving N500,000 each.

Penpushing reports that the Governor made the announcement at the 34th Convocation ceremonies for the conferment of Honourary Degrees, Award of Higher Degrees and Diplomas, Presentation of Prize alongside admissions into First Degrees Programs of the University held at OGD hall, main campus, Ago Iwoye.

The Governor represented by his Deputy Engr (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, pointed out that beyond Ogun state being the education capital of Nigeria, the governments vision is to make the state the capital of academy excellence and innovation.

Penpushing further reports that Abiodun added that his administration has organised series of capacity building programs and policies that will enable its citizenry access to quality education in the state.

The Governor stressed that Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) plays a vital role in Nigeria, particularly in capacity building through fostering research which culminate in academy excellence as well as community service.

Penpushing also reports that he emphasized that his administration would ensure that the university continues to enjoy technological advancement and cutting-edge resources to enhance these researches, alongside teaching and learning within its campuses.

“Let me assure you that our government remains fully committed to its continued development, this includes the construction of modern lecture hall, state of the art laboratories, student accommodation and recreational facilities’, he stated

“We are committed to expanding E-learning infrastructure and digital resources to equipped our students with the necessary tools to compete in an increasingly globalised world”, the Governor added.

Penpushing reports that he hinted that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiate under the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu has significantly supported students across tertiary institutions, thereby enabling them to acquire the education needed for a secured future.

The Governor in same vein appreciated the contributions of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) at repositioning the state tertiary institutions through various interventions.

Penpushing further reports that Abiodun explained that the establishment of the state Education Trust Fund in 2020 for infrastructural development in state owned tertiary institutions not covered by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) interventions, was to further enhance governments investment in tertiary institutions.

The Governor revealed that plans are underway to expand the funds to primary and secondary institutions, as a way of demonstrating a strong commitment to providing qualitative and accessible education at all levels.

Penpushing also reports that while calling on well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations and the organised private sector, to partner with it in furthering educational development in Ogun State, said educational development was a responsibility of all, in the bid to collectively build a future where every child has access to quality education, skills and knowledge to succeed.

The Governor congratulated Dr Adekunle Hassan on his honourary award of Doctor of Science “Honouris Causa”, and thanked him for donating N500million endowment fund in the Professorial chair to the Ophthalmology Department and N500million to the School of Eye health in the institution.

 Penpushing reports that he encouraged the graduands to carry with them the values and principles that shaped them, strive to be innovative, problem solvers and leaders in their respective fields as the world they are going into is filled with both challenges and opportunities.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Toyin Ashiru and the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola in their separate remarks appreciated the visitor to the university, (Governor Dapo Abiodun) for his presence at the occasion.

Penpushing further reports that the duo said it affirms the premium value his administration places on education as a means of holistic and transformative development of the state, noting that past years have been marked with significant milestones which include expansion of academic programmes, infrastructural development, national recognition in technology amongst others.

The duo while congratulating the graduating students urged them to be fearless in the pursuit of their dreams and be unwavering in the commitment to making a difference as well as using the knowledge and skills garnered in the cause of their studies to contribute meaningfully to the society and uplift humanity

Penpushing also reports that the convocation lecturer Architect Sunday Echono speaking on the topic, ‘TETFUND and Educational Development in Nigeria: The History, Treasures and Future, said no doubt that Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), has recorded laudable achievements under its various intervention lines to include infrastructural projects across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education that range from senate buildings, classrooms, lecture theatres amongst others

The guest lecturer who is the Executive Secretary Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), said there was however need for Nigeria as a country to invest more in its education sector as well as find a way of sustaining the funding of institutions in the country.

Penpushing reports that he explained that the future of Nigeria’s educational development should be anchored on strengthening tertiary education for sustainable national development in a post-subsidy era in Nigeria, adding that for our educational institutions to be competitive, the tertiary education system remove its focus from the overarching philosophy of Nigeria to a more flexible and diversified one.

The overall best undergraduate student, Miss Dauda Aishat Anuoluwapo, in valedictory speech on behalf of the graduands said the journey to success has been demanding but hard work, dedication and focus has contributed to their success.

Penpushing further reports that she appreciated the Ogun state government for unflinching support to the school, recognizing in no small measure the contributions of the management and staff of the institution in building and reshaping their lives during period of studies.

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