Gov Abiodun Announces N6M Reward to Ogun Poly’s Best-Graduating Students

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has announced a cash reward of N2 million each for the three best-graduating students of Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade. He made this announcement during the 5th combined convocation of the Polytechnic, which took place at the institution’s auditorium on Wednesday.

The three outstanding students recognized for their achievements are Suliyat Yusuf, who topped the 2023/2024 session; Victor Omontuhen, who excelled in the 2022/2023 session; and Theresa Agu, who was the best in the 2021/2022 session. The governor, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, expressed his administration’s commitment to education, stating that N200 million has been allocated for educational development across the state.

“Our administration has approved N200 million for the state education trust fund to support our state-owned tertiary institutions. These efforts underline our commitment to fostering an education system where students can excel in our ever-changing world. It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the overall best-graduating students and announce that the state government would be awarding a cash gift of N2 million each to these students,” the governor said.

Additionally, the governor took a moment to express condolences to the family of the late Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Adewumi Onanuga, who was posthumously awarded a fellowship by the institution. He urged the graduating students to be innovators and problem solvers.

“It is a bittersweet moment, as we mourn the passing of my dear sister, Adewumi Onanuga, who left us last week. This fellowship honors the impact she made in her constituency, and her good works will be remembered. To our graduating students, today marks the beginning of a new chapter. As you step into the world, let the knowledge, skills, and values you have gained here guide you in becoming problem solvers, innovators, and change-makers,” Oyedele-Salako said.

In his address, Dr. Sanni Oseni, the Rector of the Polytechnic, announced that 248 graduates received distinctions. This includes 80 National Diploma graduates and 168 Higher National Diploma graduates from the three sessions.

“Your Excellency, I am pleased to inform you that today we have 248 graduates who have successfully fulfilled the requirements for their diplomas. We proudly announce that in this combined 5th convocation ceremony, 80 students achieved distinctions at the National Diploma level, and 168 achieved distinctions at the Higher National Diploma level across the three sessions,” he stated.

The rector encouraged the graduates to be torchbearers of innovation and excellence in their fields. “You have triumphed over the challenges of higher education—academic pressures, societal expectations, and personal hurdles. I challenge you to move forward boldly, dear graduates, as bearers of innovation, excellence, and resilience. The world awaits your brilliance. Rise to the challenge, shape the future, and never cease striving for greatness,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of her fellow graduates, Suliyat Yusuf, the overall best-graduating student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.91/4.00, encouraged her peers to face future challenges with positivity and excellence. “Fellow graduates, as we embark on this new chapter in our lives, let us remember the lessons learned within these hallowed walls. Let us strive for excellence in all our endeavors, guided by principles of integrity, honor, and compassion.

“Let us positively contribute to our communities and aspire to make a difference in the world. This is not the end of our journey but rather the beginning of an exciting new phase. Let us carry the torch of knowledge and use it to illuminate our paths,” Yusuf concluded.

The highlight of the ceremony included the foundation laying of the institution’s School of Agriculture complex.