Cash rain! Ooni of Ife sprays millions on students, lecturers in Oyo

The Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, on Friday awarded millions of naira in cash gifts to outstanding students and lecturers at the convocation ceremony of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State.

At the ceremony, the monarch rewarded the institution’s overall Best Graduating Student, Miss Kemisola Yusufa, a Microbiology graduate who recorded an impressive Grade Point Average of 3.87, with a cash prize of ₦6 million.

Six other best graduating students, representing each of the institution’s six faculties, were also honoured with ₦1.5 million each in recognition of their academic excellence.

In addition, two lecturers emerged winners of the Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Award for Innovation and Technology, receiving ₦2 million each for their outstanding contributions to research and innovation.

Speaking at the event, the Ooni described The Polytechnic, Ibadan as the foundation of his life and success, revealing that he graduated from the institution over three decades ago as a student of the Accountancy Department.

He commended the management of the polytechnic for sustaining the legacy of academic excellence and quality education that the institution was known for during his time as a student.

“This citadel of learning remains my foundation in life. I left this great school 30 years ago as an accountancy student, and it is a thing of joy to reconnect with my foundation today, 30 years after my graduation,” the Ooni said.

Reflecting on his studentship days, the revered monarch recalled living in Unity Hall and Ramat Hall, noting that he never imagined what the future held for him at the time.

“Many years ago, I still remember my days in Unity Hall and Ramat Hall, dealing with my studentship without knowing what the future had for me. Today, I am the Ooni of Ife, to the glory of God,” he added.