The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has contributed a total of N8.5 million to the top graduating students at the 35th Convocation Ceremony of Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago-Iwoye, as a gesture supporting academic excellence.
According to a statement released by the Ogun State government on Saturday, Governor Abiodun was represented at the event by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele.
He donated “₦500,000 to each of the 13 best graduating students across faculties and ₦2 million to Master Ajayi David of the Faculty of Engineering, who emerged as the overall best graduating student.”
Addressing attendees, the governor stated, “The 35th Convocation celebrates academic excellence, access, and institutional relevance. By placing reliable data at the centre of decision-making, our administration has enhanced transparency, improved outcomes, and ensured that every intervention across the education value chain is strategic and measurable.”
Abiodun congratulated all the graduates, encouraging them to keep learning, ask questions, and serve as ambassadors of the university.
He described the monetary awards as evidence of his administration’s dedication to nurturing talent, rewarding excellence, and fostering innovation.
He further reaffirmed that education remains a central pillar of his administration’s developmental agenda, emphasizing that continued investment in the sector is crucial for the state’s future.
The Governor also praised OOU for producing “competent, innovative, and future-ready graduates while upholding high standards of discipline, innovation, and service.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Ayodeji Agboola, in his remarks, highlighted OOU’s enduring tradition of excellence, noting that the university currently ranks 16th nationally among 321 Nigerian universities in terms of academic visibility, research output, and web presence.
He added that OOU is second only to LAUTECH among state-owned institutions in Nigeria and commended Governor Abiodun for prioritizing education as a key driver of holistic development.
