The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rewarded academic excellence by granting scholarships to seven brilliant students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso. The gesture, according to the union, is part of its tradition of supporting indigent but academically gifted undergraduates in Nigerian universities.
Two of the students, Lawal Idowu Titilope, a 300-level Medicine and Surgery student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.83, and Omoniyi Aanuoluwapo Oluwaseun, a 200-level Biochemistry student with a CGPA of 4.75, each received the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦200,000) from the National Secretariat of ASUU. These awards are meant to cover their tuition and ease the burden of academic costs.
The presentation was made on behalf of the national body by Professor Ade Adejumo, the immediate past Financial Secretary of ASUU, who commended the students for their diligence and reminded them that academic brilliance combined with integrity is a rare asset needed for Nigeria’s development. He also noted that ASUU’s scholarship scheme was designed to encourage students to remain steadfast despite economic challenges facing the country.
In addition to the two national awards, five other students were recognized by the LAUTECH branch of ASUU and given One Hundred Thousand Naira (₦100,000) each. The local chapter explained that the initiative aims to celebrate excellence at home while complementing the national body’s scholarship scheme.
Among the beneficiaries at the branch level was Abdul Azeez Alli Akintomiwa, a 300-level student of Nutrition and Dietetics who has maintained a CGPA of 4.64. Also honored was Oshinubi Oluwaseyi Olatunji, a 300-level Chemical Engineering student with an impressive CGPA of 4.66, both of whom were described as models of hard work and consistency.
The scholarship also went to Bello Robiu Babatunde, a 400-level student of Agricultural Engineering with a CGPA of 3.85, whose resilience and determination despite financial challenges were commended. His selection, according to ASUU officials, reflects the union’s recognition of not only high grades but also consistency in striving for academic success.
Another recipient, Akingboye Israel Timilehin, a 300-level student of Cyber Security Science with a CGPA of 4.58, was celebrated for excelling in one of the university’s emerging and competitive disciplines. The union remarked that students in technologically driven courses play critical roles in Nigeria’s advancement, hence the encouragement given through the award.
Rounding up the list was Olayiwola Dorcas Iyanuoluwa, a 200-level Anatomy student who topped the beneficiaries with an outstanding CGPA of 4.84. She was described by presenters as a rising academic star whose commitment to her studies has made her stand out.
The presentation ceremony was witnessed by distinguished scholars within the institution, including Professors Agbaje Lateef, Musbau Azeez, Akeem Lawal, and Adebola Akintola. Each of them took turns to present the awards, offering words of encouragement and stressing the importance of discipline, hard work, and service to society.
In his remarks, Professor Agbaje Lateef noted that ASUU’s consistent support for students is a testament to the union’s commitment to education, despite its long-running disputes with the federal government. He emphasized that such gestures remind students that the academic community values and supports them.
Professor Musbau Azeez, while presenting one of the cheques, urged the students not to relent in their pursuit of excellence, stressing that the scholarship was not just a reward but also a challenge to maintain or improve their academic performance. He added that LAUTECH has a reputation for producing top-class graduates and the beneficiaries must continue in that tradition.
Professor Akeem Lawal expressed optimism that such support would inspire other students to work harder, noting that recognition of hard work creates a culture of academic competitiveness and determination among undergraduates. He also encouraged well-meaning Nigerians and alumni to emulate ASUU’s efforts by creating more scholarship schemes.
Professor Adebola Akintola, in his closing remarks, praised the beneficiaries for distinguishing themselves in their respective fields and urged them to remain committed to their education. He emphasized that Nigeria’s future rests in the hands of young, talented individuals, and with the right support, they can transform the country’s socio-economic landscape.
The scholarship presentation ended on a celebratory note, with the beneficiaries expressing gratitude to ASUU for its support and promising to justify the confidence reposed in them. The event reaffirmed the union’s stance that education remains the best legacy, and investing in the brightest minds is a step toward a better future for Nigeria.
