In a move to promote scholarship opportunities, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun announced on Wednesday that the best graduating students from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, will receive N2 million each.
With a cumulative grade point average of 4.86, three students—Talabi Hazeem Ayomide, Adesanya Ibrahim Damilola, and Alabi Ifeoluwa—tied for the best among the class of 2021–2022 graduates.With a CGPA of 4.90, Adegoke Azizat was the best graduating student for the academic year 2022–2023.
During the combined 32nd and 33rd convocation ceremonies of the institution, the governor made the announcement during his speech.
Represented at the event by his deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun also awarded N500,000 each to the best graduating student in each of the faculties of the institution.
The week-long convocation events concluded on Wednesday with the presentation of honorary doctorates and the awarding of master’s degrees.
The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remo land, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi; and the former pro-chancellor of the university, Mrs Mrs Mosun Bello Olusoga, were conferred with the Doctor Science (honoris causa).
During the event, Professor Ayodeji Agboola, the vice chancellor, congratulated the governor on his Supreme Court victory.Along with congratulating the graduates, he gave them advice on how to always represent the university well.
According to him, a total of 15,428 students took part in the convocation ceremonies.
Professor Agboola said the goal of his administration is to position OOU as a world class university “recognized internationally as a producer of first rate graduates.”
He listed the 10 new academic programmes that were recently added to the university.
These include B MLS Medical Laboratory Science, BSc Forensic Science, BSc Applied Geophysics, BSc Taxation, BSc Criminology and Security Studies, and BSc Quantity Surveying.Others are BSc Estate Management, BLIS Library and Information Science, BSc Building, and B.Ed Educational Management.
During his Convocation Lecture, “Mass Exodus of Human Capital in Nigeria: An Anatomical Analysis of the Causes and Effects,” Eminent lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chief Wole Olanipekun lamented the unchecked emigration of priceless human capital due to the “japa syndrome.”
In addition, he reiterated the need for a political restructuring, emphasising that this is the only way the country can advance and overcome its current challenges.
Abikoye Ezekiel Olabode, who is 71 years old, is the oldest graduate student and received a PhD in Christian Religious Studies.