Abiodun awards ₦2m to best OOU graduate

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, describing it as a cornerstone of the state’s long-term development strategy.

Speaking at the 35th convocation ceremony of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, the governor said sustained investment in education was critical to securing the future of Ogun State. The ceremony, held at the university’s permanent site, coincided with the state’s 50th anniversary.

Represented by his deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Abiodun said OOU remains one of the enduring legacies of Ogun State’s creation and a testament to the vision that placed education at the heart of development.

He praised the institution for producing graduates equipped with the skills and discipline required to thrive in a changing world.

“I commend the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Toyin Ashiru; the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Olayinka Johnson Agboola, members of the Governing Council and Senate, as well as staff and students of this university for sustaining the ideals upon which Olabisi Onabanjo University was founded,” he said.

According to the governor, the convocation reflects the university’s growing academic reputation and the dedication of its academic community. He added that his administration’s education policies are guided by evidence-based planning to ensure transparency and measurable impact.

Abiodun disclosed that the state allocated ₦275.4 billion to education in the current fiscal year, representing 17 per cent of the ₦1.7 trillion budget.

“This reflects our determination to expand access to quality education, reduce inequality and ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of background or location,” he said.

He congratulated the graduating students and urged them to continue learning and uphold the values of the university.

“Knowledge, character and discipline will always set you apart,” the governor told the graduates.

Abiodun also announced cash awards of ₦500,000 each for 13 best graduating students across faculties, while the overall best graduating student, Master Ajayi David of the Faculty of Engineering, received ₦2 million.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ayodeji Olayinka Agboola, said the university continues to build on its tradition of excellence.

“We are recording remarkable milestones that further strengthen our standing among state-owned universities in Nigeria,” he said.

He disclosed that OOU is currently ranked 16th out of 321 universities nationwide in the latest Webometrics ranking, placing second among state-owned institutions in Ogun State.