A 75-year-old man, Simeon Olawale Anifowose, was among the 170 graduates awarded a PhD degree on Friday at the grand finale of the 34th convocation of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. He was from the Faculty of Management Sciences at the institution.
Also, at the ceremony, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, announced a cash award of N500,000 for the best graduating student in each of the university’s 14 departments. Additionally, an extra N2.5 million was awarded to the Overall Best Graduating Student, Aisha Aanuoluwapo Dauda, from the Department of Economics, who graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.87.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to advancing education in the state, emphasizing his mission to make Ogun State the hub of education in Nigeria. He also reaffirmed his dedication to promoting e-learning and called on well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations to partner with his administration in developing education in the state.
A consultant ophthalmic surgeon and Chief Medical Director of the Eye Foundation Hospital Group, Dr. Adekunle Olubola Hassan, was the sole recipient of the university’s honorary doctorate. At the event, Dr. Hassan announced plans to build an Institute of Eye Health worth N500 million at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital. He had previously endowed a Professorial Chair in Ophthalmology at the university, also worth N500 million.
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In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Agboola, disclosed that the university had maintained 100% accreditation status for all its programs, affirming the institution’s commitment to continually improving the quality of education it provides.
Professor Agboola highlighted the laurels won and achievements of the institution’s faculty and students, as well as the introduction of 18 new innovative programs, including BSc Food Science Technology, BSc Cyber Security, BSc Software Engineering, BSc Industrial Mathematics, BSc Data Science, MSc and PhD Clinical Pharmacy, MSc and PhD Pharmacology, MSc and PhD Architecture, MSc and PhD Urban and Regional Planning, and MSc and PhD Cooperative and Rural Development.
He expressed gratitude to TETFund, successive management boards, and staff members for their commitment to the university’s mandate, noting the significant impact of the fund on Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. “This testament is evident at Olabisi Onabanjo University, where a significant number of structures were built through TETFund interventions,” he stated.
Professor Agboola also emphasized the importance of staff welfare and professional development under his leadership, highlighting that salaries are paid on the 25th of every month. “Over the past year, we have implemented various programs to ensure that our academic and administrative staff have opportunities for career progression. Through targeted professional development programs, regular promotions, and a commitment to recognizing outstanding performance, we are creating an environment where our staff can thrive and excel,” he added.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the university’s alumni, the philanthropic support from individuals, and, most importantly, the invaluable support of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, to the university.
