Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has offered automatic employment to the two best graduating students of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye. Abiodun, who is also the Visitor to the University, equally announced One Million Naira each as additional reward to the two overall best graduands. He stated that the gesture was a token of his administration’s determination to deepen the culture of academic excellence and enhance the status of Ogun State as the nation’s education capital.
The Governor announced the rewards while delivering his address at the 30th and 31st Convocation Ceremonies of the University for the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 Academic Sessions held on Monday, 31st January, 2022, where no fewer than 13,847 students graduated and were awarded different degrees across the Colleges, Faculties and Departments of the University.
Academic Session, Miss Awolumate Adebisi Fatimoh; Visitor to the University, Governor Dapo Abiodun and
Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele at the Convocation.
Awolumate Adebisi Fatimoh of the Department of Cooperative Management and Rural Development emerged the overall best graduand with a 4.86 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) for the 2019/2020 Academic Session while Iloka Peter Ebuka from the Faculty of Pharmacy, who recorded a CGPA of 4.92, emerged the overall best for 2020/2021 Academic Session.
Abiodun noted that the respective academic accomplishments of the two best graduands were no mean feats, urging the current students of the University to emulate them.
He said, “These kinds of achievements by our young people continue to motivate us to invest more in the education sector. And, we are more assured of a brighter future for our dear State, in particular, and the Nation, in general. I urge current students of this University to emulate this positive character.”
“I am particularly delighted that these two best graduating students across genders have demonstrated again that gender is no barrier to excellence in all spheres. It is possible, you only need to have faith in yourselves and work towards the goal.”
“As is usual with our administration on occasion like this, the two best graduating students are hereby offered automatic employment with the State Government. Furthermore, each of them will have additional reward of One Million Naira,” the Governor declared amid thunderous applause by the congregation.
Besides rewarding the best graduands, Abiodun also promised to construct a 1,600-bed hostel for OOU as part of his administration’s commitment to providing a wholesome University education experience for students. He further declared that the recent re-award of the contract for the construction and completion of the Ilishan-Ago Iwoye road by the State Government underscored the commitment to improve on physical infrastructure in the immediate environment of the University.
(Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele; at the Convocation.
“We believe that this road will ease the movement of the people to and in this area and create a more conducive environment for academic activities in the University. In addition, as your Visitor, my commitment to providing the right ambience for research, teaching and learning is total. In this regard, I have just facilitated the provision of a 1,600 bed hostel for OOU. This is yet another initiative of your government to provide a wholesome and awesome university education experience for our students,” Abiodun said.
The Visitor to the University advised the graduands not to rest on their oars with the graduation ceremonies but rather be open to life-long learning.
“You must also understand that your education does not end here. In fact, you will be starting a new form of education in the school of life. My advice to you is to find a good mentor to help you actualise your dream.
Do not work in isolation—but recognize the value of learning from others and the value of networking. Listen to criticism, but do not surrender to it. Be open to feedback, whether positive or otherwise; persevere and follow your dreams. Be honest with yourself and accept the challenges ahead,” he said.
The Governor also told the graduands “that as science and technology are changing rapidly, they would need to keep up with the trend and should not be afraid to admit their knowledge gaps but rather seek to fill them.
He said, “Innovations are often borne from creative minds, so as we often say, ‘think out of the box’ and let your voices be heard. Be conscientious, competent, and compassionate in everything you do.”
Do not underestimate the power of your impact; keep in mind that you are the leading actor in the play called ‘your life’. You write the script and choose the kind of person you will be as you live out your life. In the end, you will be defined by your commitments. These are the ingredients for success and fulfilment. Shortcuts do not take anybody to any good,” he added.
Abiodun further admonished the graduating students to appreciate those who made their success possible, especially “the Almighty God who preserved your life till this moment; your parents and family members; lecturers; the schools; friends; and, others with whom your paths have crossed.”
