No fewer than 108 indigent students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, have benefited from the annual scholarship programme organised by the university’s alumni association.
The students received scholarships totalling N10.6 million, according to a statement signed by the university’s Acting Public Relations Officer, Sunkanmi Olajide, and made available to journalists on Saturday, 9 November 2024.
The alumni scholarships were made possible through the collective efforts of the United States branch of the alumni association, the Kind Heart Annual Scholarship, as well as the Olusina and Subuola Fasoyiro Annual Scholarship Awards.
Speaking at the programme held at the FUNAAB Alumni Centre, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof Kola Adebayo, commended the alumni for their significant contribution to the university’s continued growth.
Kehinde said, “I must salute the alumni association for remaining partners in progress with the university. This scholarship support is another commendable step in the right direction. It is always laudable to give back to the community.
“I hereby encourage the beneficiaries of this scholarship to reciprocate this generous initiative with academic excellence. You must be more committed to your studies and more determined to make a success story out of your journey in life.”
In his short speech at the event, the association’s Global President, Mr Bolaji Gbadamosi, expressed gratitude to the university’s management for their continued support.
He said, “The alumni felt that, as a way of appreciating an institution that has contributed so much to what we have all become today, we thought we should do something to touch the lives of the students who are integral parts of the institution.
“We were all once like the students. Some of us had it rough shouldering the financial burden of our education, so we knew that providing support for these students is a way to help them realise their educational pursuits and build a better future.”
The Bursar, Mr Olukayode Osinuga, also contributed to the support with a personal donation of ₦250,000 and advised the recipients to focus on their studies as a foundation for future success.
Notable alumni, including Mr Bayo Okenla and Prof Subuola Fasoyiro, joined the event virtually to share words of encouragement.
One of the beneficiaries, Blessing Raymond, expressed gratitude on behalf of her peers, pledging to uphold the university’s values and excel in their studies.
She said, “On behalf of the beneficiaries of this noble vision of the alumni association of our great university, we sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the impact of your humanitarian support on our education.
“We shall reciprocate this kind gesture by focusing more on our studies and graduating with flying colours. You have shown us a path to follow when we leave the university. Through this, we have learnt the importance of giving back to society and supporting one another.”
In a related event, a FUNAAB alumnus and the General Overseer of Faith Triumph Ministries International, USA, Felix Owolabi, also awarded scholarships worth millions of naira to over 100 indigent students during the fourth edition of the Felix Owolabi Annual Scholarships.
Owolabi, represented by the Chief Executive Officer of RAV FM and Western Spring TV, Dr Femi Adefila, urged the students to aim high and use the scholarships as stepping stones to build a brighter future.
The Deputy Registrar II, Exams and Records Unit, Mr Adewale Ojoye, representing the Registrar, Dr Titus Adedeji, commended Owolabi for his generosity and encouraged the recipients to remain focused and strive for academic excellence.
