By Damiete Braide
The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) witnessed an inspiring act of generosity as Dr. Gbenga Owolabi, an alumnus, awarded scholarships to 141 students during the fouth edition of his annual scholarship event.
The event held at the university auditorium, was organised under the Renaissance Social Support and Development Initiative, which Dr. Owolabi established to support indigent and high-achieving students.
Owolabi’s scholarship initiative began six years ago, focusing on students in his alma mater’s Department of Physics. The first edition, in 2018, saw 15 students receive scholarships, followed by 18 students in the second edition in 2020.
The program was initially limited to the Department of Physics, reflecting Dr. Owolabi’s roots as one of the department’s top graduates. Later the scope of the award was expanded.
In 2022, the third edition of the scholarship was broadened to include 50 students from across various departments within the School of Physical Sciences. These students were recognized under two categories: those with the best CGPAs from 100 to 500 levels and indigent students, who demonstrated financial need.
Owolabi’s approach, which combines merit and need-based criteria, has set a standard for recognizing both academic excellence and the challenges faced by economically disadvantaged students.
The award ceremony held recently marked a milestone in the history of the scholarship programme as it was the first time students from other departments in the university, not just the School of Physical Sciences were eligible to apply.
This expansion resulted in 141 students from various departments from 200, 300, and 500 levels receiving scholarships under the two established categories; best students with the highest CGPA and indigent students.
His scholarships are designed not only to cover tuition fees but also to provide stipends for daily expenses.
For final year students, the scholarships extend to cover for their projects, provided these projects are sustainable and have the potential to be showcased in future editions of the award.
What made this year’s event particularly special was the recognition of students who have consistently excelled academically and who have been recipients of the scholarship for multiple years.
In his speech, Owolabi expressed his intention to widen the scope of the scholarship programme further. He announced plans to recognize outstanding lecturers in various departments as well as postgraduate students in future editions.
His commitment to education and support extends beyond the university level; he also sponsors students in other tertiary institutions and secondary schools.
The scholarship award ceremony was attended by notable figures within the university community, including the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, who was represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Oluyamo.
In her address, Prof. Oladiji praised Dr. Owolabi for his unparalleled generosity, noting that he is the first alumnus in the university’s history to award scholarships to such a large number of students singlehandedly. She urged other alumni to emulate his example; highlighting the significant role such gestures play in alleviating the financial challenges faced by students.
She encouraged the scholarship recipients to remain focused, diligent, and determined to succeed academically, assuring them of the university’s commitment to their welfare and progress.
The students promised that they would continue to strive for academic excellence and work hard to make the university proud.