Oduduwa University Alumni Association honour members, students at maiden award ceremony

The Oduduwa University Ipetumodu Alumni Association (OUIAA) marked a significant milestone in the institution’s history with its maiden Alumni Award Ceremony, themed “Legends and Leaders: Bridging Generations at OUI.” The celebratory event took place on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the university campus in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Held between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, the ceremony brought together distinguished alumni, current students, university staff, and guests in a shared moment of recognition and celebration. The event, which served as the highlight of the First OUIAA Week, underscored the Association’s commitment to fostering strong, lasting connections between the university and its growing network of graduates.

The award ceremony featured recognitions across three major categories—staff, alumni, and students—alongside a prestigious Pillar of Legacy Award presented to individuals with invaluable contributions to the university community. The awards spotlighted excellence in leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, public service, academics, and the arts.

Award Recipients:
Staff Category
Excellence in Mentoring Award: Mrs. Bisi Lawal (fondly known as “Mummy Bursar”)

Alumni Category
Excellence in Public Service: MC Gaga
Alumni Global Achievers Award: Innocent & Marvelous Ayodele (Twinsax)
Alumni Service Award: Adeola Noheemot Raji
Entrepreneurial Excellence: Titilola Foyeke Oyekan
Outstanding Contribution to Music and Art: KDEL

Student Category
Leadership Legacy Award: Olaniyan Lois Odunayo
Academic Excellence Award: Adeyemi-Otutu Fadilah Subomi
Rising Star in STEM: Fagbohun Deborah Itunuoluwa
Peer Mentor Award: Isaac Gloria Olukemi
Innovator of the Year: Adewale Ayomide Emmanuel
Entrepreneurial Spirit Award: Adedoyin Boluwaduro Princess
Outstanding Sportsmanship Award: Tiamiyu Abdulhafiz

Pillar of Legacy Award
Otunba (Dr.) Isaac Amao, Chairman, Board of Trustees (OUIAA)

Representing Otunba (Dr.) Isaac Amao, at the ceremony, Mrs. Tolulope Okiemute, a member of the Board of Trustees, delivered a heartfelt speech in which she praised the university’s leadership and the efforts of the Alumni Association. She expressed gratitude to stakeholders who made the event a success and commended the dedication of the OUIAA Executive Council led by Marvelous Ayodele.

“This initiative is a testament to our community’s commitment to excellence… Let your character be your hallmark,” she urged students, encouraging them to uphold values of integrity and excellence.
Some of the recipients shared emotional reactions following the event. Fagbohun Deborah Itunuoluwa, who received the Rising Star in STEM Award, expressed surprise and joy at the honour.

“I feel great, I’m happy; I didn’t think I was going to win, but eventually did, so I’m thankful,” she said shortly after the ceremony.

Similarly, Innovator of the Year awardee, Adewale Ayomide Emmanuel, who had also been nominated in another category, said he was overwhelmed with gratitude: “I feel great, I feel good. I was nominated for two awards… and I’m glad I got one at least. Thank you to everyone who has supported me since 100 level.”

The ceremony was not only a celebration but a deliberate step toward establishing a culture of recognition at Oduduwa University. In his official remarks, OUIAA President Marvelous Ayodele described the event as “a bold step in institutionalising a culture of recognition, pride, and legacy.”

“The idea behind this award is not just to honour the exceptional but to remind our community that excellence is timeless, and service leaves footprints,” Ayodele said. “It was time to institutionalise a moment where those who have gone ahead return to pull others up, and where students can see in real time what it means to live a life of impact.”

He added that the event represents the beginning of a lasting tradition aimed at inspiring students and alumni to pursue excellence, service, and leadership, in line with the university’s motto: Knowledge and Culture.

“This is just the beginning,” Ayodele said. “We are committed to building a future where every student, alumnus, and staff member feels seen, valued, and challenged to become more.”