Ooni Awards N19m Cash Prizes To Poly Ibadan Outstanding Students, Lecturers

The Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Friday, awarded a total of N19 million in cash prizes to outstanding graduating students and innovative lecturers of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Oba Ogunwusi announced the awards during the institution’s convocation ceremony, held in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, as part of his commitment to promoting academic excellence, innovation and technological advancement in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The overall best graduating student, Kemisola Yusuf, a Microbiology graduate who recorded a cumulative grade point average of 3.87, received a cash prize of N6m from the royal father.

In addition, six best graduating students from each of the institution’s six faculties were awarded N1.5 million each, while two lecturers emerged winners of the Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Award for Innovation and Technology, receiving N2 million each.

Speaking at the event, Oba Ogunwusi, an alumnus of the institution, commended the management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, for sustaining the legacy of academic excellence for which the school was renowned during his time as a student.

Describing the institution as the foundation of his life, the Ooni recalled his years as an accountancy student about three decades ago.

“This citadel of learning remains my foundation in life. I left this great institution 30 years ago as an accountancy student, and it is a thing of joy to reconnect with my foundation today, three decades after my graduation,” he said.

The monarch also reminisced about his student days, noting that he never imagined his future while navigating campus life at the time.

“Many years ago, I remember my days in Unity Hall and Ramat Hall, facing the realities of studentship without knowing what the future held for me. Today, by the grace of God, I am the Ooni of Ife,” he added.