27th October, 2016
A 25-year-old woman, Motunrayo Ayebiwo, on Thursday emerged the best overall Higher National Diploma (HND) student at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos for the 2014/2015 session.
Ayebiwo, one of the 7,102 graduating students, won the college award with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.74 at the School of Technology.
The graduate told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that she dedicated the award to her parents for their love and support during the period of her studies.
She said although it was difficult for her at some point to pay her tuition fees due to her father’s poor financial status, she was able to accomplish her goal.
“Throughout the two years, I was coming from home to school because my father cannot afford to pay for hostel accommodation but today, the end has justified the means.
“I thank God for this award and for seeing me through this stage of my life because many were called but few were chosen.
“In the course of our two years sojourn in the college, my great lecturers impacted in us knowledge that has positioned us to be able to face greater challenges in life.
“We have been taught to strive for excellence in all we do.
“We have equally acquired the ability to adapt and excel even in the face of difficult situations.
“No wonder students often jokingly refer to the school as Yaba College of ‘Tension’, but today, I say it is a college of excellence,” Ayebiwo said in her valedictory speech.
She added: “We have learnt from our great lecturers not only to excel academically but also to be worthy in character.
“Today we can raise our heads proudly and declare boldly that we are prepared to make great change not only in our country but throughout the world”.
Miss Precious Udom, another female student from the same department, won the overall best in the National Diploma category.
Other winners included Oluwatobi Olayade, overall best HND student, School of Engineering, Miss Ngozi Igwe, overall best HND student, Food Technology and Miss Ruth Ayoade, best overall National Diploma student, School of Liberal Studies.