Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence by announcing a generous cash award of N2 million each to the four overall best graduating students of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye. The recipients, Azeem Ayomide Talabi, Damilola Ibrahim Adesanya, Ifeoluwa Victoria Alabi, and Adegoke Asisat Adejoke, achieved outstanding GPAs of 4.86 and 4.90 for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic sessions, respectively.
The announcement was made during the grand finale of the 32nd and 33rd Convocation Ceremonies of OOU, where a total of 15,428 graduands at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels were awarded different degrees. The governor, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, not only celebrated the academic achievements but also presented N500,000 each to the other best graduating students in each faculty of the institution.
The ceremony also saw the conferring of honorary doctorate degrees on 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 emphasized the importance of education, describing OOU as a beacon of knowledge at both the state and global levels. He pledged his administration’s commitment to sustaining the state’s reputation as the education capital of Nigeria, citing deliberate policies to ensure smooth academic activities.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Prof. Toyin Ashiru, highlighted the transformative journey of the university under the steadfast support of the Governor. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, outlined the university’s goal to become a world-class institution and disclosed that OOU currently ranks 15th nationwide.
With a breakdown of the graduands, including 175 First Class, 3,463 Second Class (Upper Division), and 6,185 Second Class (Lower Division), the Vice-Chancellor showcased the academic achievements of the university across various categories. Additionally, he mentioned the addition of 10 new programs and the university’s commitment to academic excellence in postgraduate studies.
The combined convocation highlighted the dedication of Ogun State to fostering a conducive environment for education and recognizing and rewarding academic excellence.
