The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, represented Governor Dapo Abiodun at the 34th Convocation Ceremony of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), reaffirming the state’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
Salako-Oyedele emphasized the university’s role in Ogun State’s vision to become a hub for learning and leadership development. “Olabisi Onabanjo University plays a vital role in our vision to make Ogun State a hub of academic excellence and innovation and has, over the years, distinguished itself as a citadel of learning and a training ground for leaders and agents of positive change,” she stated.
She highlighted the state’s efforts in promoting inclusive and equitable education through various initiatives. “In our quest to make education inclusive and equitable, our scholarship and bursary programs have supported thousands of students in pursuing higher education. Additionally, the NELFund initiative, under the ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda of His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has significantly supported students across tertiary institutions, enabling them to acquire the education needed for a secure future,” she said.
On infrastructure development, the Deputy Governor noted that the Ogun State government established the State Education Trust Fund in 2020 to support state-owned tertiary institutions beyond TETFund interventions. She also disclosed plans to expand the fund to primary and secondary education.
The event also saw the recognition of distinguished ophthalmologist and philanthropist, Dr. Adekunle Hassan, the proprietor of Eye Foundation Hospitals Group and Chairman of the Board of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree (Honoris Causa) and marked the occasion with a generous N1 billion donation—N500 million for a Professorial Chair in Ophthalmology and another N500 million for a School of Eye Health. “May the Almighty reward his generosity and replenish his purse. Amen,” Salako-Oyedele prayed.
In addition, she announced cash rewards for outstanding students. “On behalf of His Excellency, the 14 graduands who excelled as the best graduating students in their various faculties will be given a cash gift of five hundred thousand Naira each. In addition, the best overall student for the 2023/24 session, Miss Aishat Anuoluwapo Dauda, will get an additional cash gift of N2.5m. Congratulations to all of them,” she declared.
The convocation ceremony celebrated academic excellence and underscored the Ogun State government’s continued investment in education and student welfare.
