Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering academic excellence by awarding a cash prize of N3 million to the overall best graduating student of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) for the 2023/2024 session, Miss Dauda Aishat Anuoluwapo. Additionally, 14 other students who distinguished themselves across various faculties were each rewarded with N500,000.
Speaking at the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the university, held at the OGD Hall, Main Campus, Ago Iwoye, the governor emphasized that Ogun State’s vision goes beyond being the education capital of Nigeria but aims to become a hub for academic excellence and innovation.
Governor Abiodun, who was represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that quality education remains accessible to all, adding that various capacity-building programs and policies have been implemented to strengthen the education sector in the state.
He highlighted OOU’s significant contributions to national development, particularly in research and capacity building, and assured that the state government would continue to provide technological advancements and state-of-the-art resources to support research, teaching, and learning across its campuses.
“Let me assure you that our government remains fully committed to the continuous development of this university. This includes the construction of modern lecture halls, state-of-the-art laboratories, student accommodations, and recreational facilities,” he stated.
Governor Abiodun further revealed his administration’s commitment to expanding e-learning infrastructure and digital resources to ensure Ogun State students are equipped with the necessary tools to compete globally. “We are committed to expanding e-learning infrastructure and digital resources to equip our students with the necessary tools to compete in an increasingly globalized world,” he added.
The governor also acknowledged the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that it has played a vital role in supporting students across tertiary institutions, thereby enabling them to secure a better future.
He also commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its numerous interventions in repositioning state-owned tertiary institutions.
Expanding Education Trust Fund for Primary and Secondary Schools
Governor Abiodun noted that the state government had, in 2020, established the Ogun State Education Trust Fund to support infrastructural development in state-owned tertiary institutions that do not benefit from TETFund interventions.
He disclosed plans to extend this initiative to primary and secondary schools to further demonstrate the government’s strong commitment to accessible and qualitative education at all levels.
Calling on well-meaning individuals, corporate organizations, and the private sector to collaborate with the government in advancing education in the state, he stated: “Education is a collective responsibility. By working together, we can build a future where every child has access to quality education, the necessary skills, and knowledge to thrive in life.”
Governor Abiodun also took the opportunity to congratulate Dr. Adekunle Hassan on his conferment of an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), while appreciating his generous N500 million endowment fund to the Professorial Chair in Ophthalmology and another N500 million donation to the School of Eye Health in the institution.
To the graduating students, he encouraged them to uphold the values and principles instilled in them and to strive for innovation, problem-solving, and leadership in their respective careers. “The world you are stepping into is filled with both challenges and opportunities. Be courageous, be problem solvers, and lead with integrity,” he urged.
In their separate remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Toyin Ashiru, and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for his administration’s unwavering support for education.
They noted that his presence at the convocation affirmed the premium value his administration places on education as a catalyst for holistic and transformative development in the state.
According to them, OOU has achieved remarkable milestones in recent years, including the expansion of academic programs, infrastructural development, and national recognition in technology and research.
They urged the graduating students to remain fearless in the pursuit of their dreams and to channel their knowledge and skills toward making meaningful contributions to society.
Delivering the convocation lecture on “TETFund and Educational Development in Nigeria: The History, Treasures, and Future,” the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Architect Sunday Echono, emphasized the significant strides made by TETFund in enhancing tertiary education across the country.
He highlighted its interventions, which have led to the construction of senate buildings, classrooms, lecture theatres, and other critical infrastructure across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
However, he called for more investment in education, stressing that for Nigeria to have a globally competitive education system, there must be sustained and diversified funding strategies.
“The future of Nigeria’s educational development should be anchored on strengthening tertiary education for sustainable national development in a post-subsidy era,” he stated.
Echono further advocated for a flexible and diversified tertiary education system that moves beyond Nigeria’s traditional educational philosophy, ensuring that institutions adapt to contemporary global challenges and technological advancements.
Delivering her valedictory speech, the overall best graduating student, Miss Dauda Aishat Anuoluwapo, described her journey through the university as challenging but rewarding.
She credited her success to hard work, dedication, and focus, while appreciating the state government, university management, and faculty members for their support throughout her academic journey.
She acknowledged the role of the institution in shaping and refining their lives and encouraged her fellow graduates to make positive contributions to society.
