In a resounding celebration of academic excellence, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced cash awards of N2 million each to four outstanding graduates of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye. The recipients, Azeem Ayomide Talabi, Damilola Ibrahim Adesanya, Ifeoluwa Victoria Alabi, and Adegoke Asisat Adejoke, distinguished themselves by achieving a remarkable GPA of 4.86 and 4.90 for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic sessions, respectively.
The cash awards were disclosed during the grand finale of the 32nd and 33rd Convocation Ceremonies held at the Main Campus, Ago-Iwoye. Governor Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, commended the exceptional academic performance of the students and reiterated his commitment to prioritizing education in the state.
In addition to the cash prizes for the overall best graduating students, the governor bestowed N500,000 each upon the other best graduating students in each faculty of the institution. The generosity was extended to a total of 15,428 graduands at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic sessions.
The ceremony also witnessed the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees upon the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, and the immediate past Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of OOU, Mrs. Mosunmola Belo-Olusoga.
Governor Abiodun expressed his administration’s commitment to fostering scholarship and recognizing outstanding achievements in educational institutions. He emphasized the global significance of university education in national and individual development, underscoring the state’s dedication to sustaining its status as the education capital of Nigeria.
“As a responsible administration, we shall continue to do our best to sustain the current status of our state as the education capital of Nigeria through deliberate policies tailored towards smooth academic activities on our campuses,” Governor Abiodun stated.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Prof. Toyin Ashiru, attributed the institution’s developmental strides to the unwavering support of the Governor and the goodwill of alumni and corporate entities. Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, the Vice-Chancellor, outlined the university’s goal to become internationally recognized as a producer of first-rate quality graduates and highlighted its current 15th nationwide ranking.
The Vice-Chancellor further detailed the impressive breakdown of the graduands, including 175 First Class, 3,463 Second Class (Upper Division), 6,185 Second Class (Lower Division), 1,535 Third Class Division, 146 Pass Degree, 280 Unclassified Degrees, and 116 from outstanding sessions. The university also celebrated 1,199 graduands from affiliates and 1,099 from the Centre for Continuing Education programs.
The combined convocation showcased OOU’s commitment to academic excellence and affirmed its position as a leading citadel of learning in Nigeria. The event served as a platform to honor outstanding individuals and underscored the importance of education in the state’s development agenda.
