Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has recognized academic excellence at Olabisi Onabanjo University by awarding Miss Dauda Aishat Anuoluwapo, the overall best graduating student for the 2023/2024 session, a cash prize of N3 million.
Additionally, 14 other high-achieving students across different faculties received N500,000 each in recognition of their outstanding performance.
Speaking during the university’s 34th convocation ceremony, which featured the conferment of honorary degrees, the awarding of diplomas and higher degrees, and the presentation of prizes, Governor Abiodun—represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele—reaffirmed Ogun State’s reputation as Nigeria’s education hub.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to positioning the state as a leader in academic excellence and innovation.
Highlighting efforts to improve education in the state, the governor noted that his government has initiated several capacity-building programs and policies to enhance access to quality education.
He underscored OOU’s critical role in national development, particularly in fostering research, academic excellence, and community service.
To support these efforts, he assured that the university would continue to benefit from technological advancements and cutting-edge resources for both teaching and research.
He stated, “Let me assure you that our Government remains fully committed to its continued development, this includes the construction of a modern lecture hall, state-of-the-art laboratories, student accommodation and recreational facilities. We are committed to expanding E-learning infrastructure and digital resources to equip our students with the necessary tools to compete in an increasingly globalised world.”
Abiodun also acknowledged the impact of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the initiative has provided crucial financial support to students in tertiary institutions, helping them secure a brighter future.
He also commended the role of TETFUND in enhancing tertiary education in Ogun State through various interventions.
Furthermore, he highlighted the establishment of the Ogun State Education Trust Fund in 2020, which was designed to drive infrastructural development in state-owned tertiary institutions not covered by TETFUND.
Plans, he revealed, are underway to extend the fund to primary and secondary schools as part of a broader commitment to ensuring quality education at all levels.
Calling for collaboration from individuals, corporate organizations, and the private sector, the governor stressed that educational development is a shared responsibility.
He urged stakeholders to contribute toward building a future where every child has access to quality education, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for success.
During the event, Abiodun congratulated Dr. Adekunle Hassan on his honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) award and expressed gratitude for his generous donation of N500 million toward a Professorial Chair in the Ophthalmology Department and another N500 million to the School of Eye Health at OOU.
Addressing the graduates, he encouraged them to embrace the principles and values instilled in them, urging them to be innovative, proactive, and solution-driven as they navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Prof. Toyin Ashiru, and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, expressed appreciation for the governor’s presence and continued investment in education.
They highlighted the university’s recent milestones, including the expansion of academic programs, infrastructural improvements, and national recognition in the field of technology.
Their remarks underscored the administration’s unwavering commitment to education as a catalyst for holistic and transformative development in Ogun State.
