The Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), His Imperial Majesty, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, on Friday demonstrated his enduring commitment to education by awarding millions of naira to outstanding students and lecturers at the convocation ceremony of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State.
At the ceremony, the revered monarch presented a cash prize of ₦6 million to the institution’s Overall Best Graduating Student, Miss Kemisola Yusufa, a graduate of Microbiology, who graduated with an impressive Grade Point Average of 3.87.
In further recognition of academic excellence, six other best graduating students, representing each of the Polytechnic’s six faculties, were also rewarded with ₦1.5 million each.
Beyond students, academic staff were not left out of the celebration of excellence. Two lecturers emerged as winners of the Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Award for Innovation and Technology, receiving ₦2 million each for their contributions to research, innovation, and technological advancement.
Addressing the gathering, Ooni Ogunwusi described The Polytechnic, Ibadan as the foundation of his personal and professional journey, revealing that he graduated from the institution over 30 years ago as a student of the Accountancy Department.
The Ooni commended the management of the Polytechnic for preserving the institution’s legacy of academic excellence and quality education, noting that the values instilled in him during his studentship years remain relevant today.
“This great citadel of learning remains my foundation in life. I left this school 30 years ago as an accountancy student, and it is a thing of joy to reconnect with my roots three decades after my graduation,” the Ooni said.
Reflecting on his time as a student, the monarch recalled his residence at Unity Hall and Ramat Hall, noting that his journey underscores the power of education and divine destiny.
“I remember my days in Unity Hall and Ramat Hall, navigating my studentship without knowing what the future held. Today, by the grace of God, I am the Ooni of Ife,” he added.
The gesture, widely applauded at the event, further reinforces the Ooni’s long-standing advocacy for education, youth empowerment, and innovation as critical pillars for national development.
