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On August 15, 2024, the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), played host to the 4th edition of the Dr. Gbenga Ayodele Owolabi Annual Scholarship Awards. The prestigious event, held at the University auditorium, witnessed the recognition of 141 students across various departments, marking a significant expansion from previous years.
Dr. Gbenga Ayodele Owolabi, a distinguished alumnus of FUTA and a prominent figure in the field of engineering, has made it his mission to support students at his alma mater through the Renaissance Social Support and Development Initiative. This annual scholarship program, which began in 2018, has grown significantly over the years, both in scope and impact.
The inaugural edition of the scholarship in 2018 saw fifteen students from the Department of Physics receiving awards. This was followed by the second edition in 2020, where the number of beneficiaries increased to eighteen, still within the Physics department. However, by the third edition in 2022, the program had broadened its reach, awarding scholarships to fifty students from various departments within the School of Physical Sciences. The awards were given under two categories: the highest C.G.P.A. from 100 to 500 levels, and students qualifying under the indigent category.
Dr. Owolabi’s journey as a philanthropist is deeply rooted in his own experiences as a student at FUTA, where he graduated as one of the top students from the Department of Physics. His dedication to giving back was further solidified during the School of Physical Sciences’ 2nd Annual Lecture and Award Ceremony on June 15, 2023, where he announced plans to extend the scholarship to cover students across the entire university.
True to his word, the 2023/2024 edition of the scholarship awards saw a record 141 students from various departments, spanning 200, 300, and 500 levels, being honored under two distinct categories. The first category recognized the best students with the highest C.G.P.A. across these levels, while the second category provided support to indigent students, aiming to ease their financial burdens and support their academic pursuits.
Dr. Owolabi’s scholarships are designed to go beyond mere financial support. They are aimed at covering the school fees of the recipients, providing stipends for their upkeep, and aiding final-year students in completing their project work, which is expected to be sustainable and displayed at subsequent scholarship editions.
During the ceremony, special recognition was given to students who had consistently won the award over the past editions. These students were not only lauded for their academic excellence but were also added to Dr. Owolabi’s mentorship program, which aims to further guide and support them in their academic and professional journeys.
In his speech, Dr. Owolabi expressed his commitment to broadening the scope of the scholarship program even further. He announced plans to include awards for outstanding lecturers in various departments and postgraduate students in future editions. His vision is to create a holistic support system that nurtures academic excellence and provides opportunities for all deserving students, regardless of their financial background.
Dr. Owolabi’s philanthropic efforts are not confined to FUTA alone. He has also extended his support to various other tertiary institutions and secondary schools. Recently, he donated educational materials to over 15 government-owned secondary schools and awarded scholarships to 45 students during a local government quiz competition. His contributions have been widely commended, particularly by the state government, for their positive impact on education at the grassroots level.
The scholarship award ceremony was graced by notable figures, including the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Professor Oluyamo. Also present were the Dean of Students Affairs, Deans of various schools, departmental heads, professors, lecturers, and the Alumni President worldwide, represented by Dr. Olaitan Adesomoju, a member of the University’s Governing Council.
In her address, Professor Oladiji praised Dr. Owolabi for his remarkable generosity, noting that he is the first alumnus in the history of FUTA to single-handedly award scholarships to such a large number of students. She urged other alumni to emulate Dr. Owolabi’s example, highlighting the crucial role such support plays in alleviating the financial pressures on students and fostering academic excellence.
The Vice Chancellor also commended the broader alumni community, noting that this year had seen over six scholarship awards initiated by individual alumni and alumni bodies globally. She encouraged the recipients of Dr. Owolabi’s scholarships to remain focused, diligent, and determined in their studies, assuring them of the university management’s continued commitment to their welfare and academic success.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from one of the scholarship beneficiaries, who expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Owolabi for his generosity and support. The student pledged, on behalf of all the recipients, to continue striving for academic excellence and to make FUTA proud in their future endeavors.
Dr. Gbenga Ayodele Owolabi’s scholarship initiative stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, not just for the students of FUTA, but for the entire academic community. His unwavering commitment to education and empowerment is a testament to the transformative power of giving back, and it serves as a call to action for others to follow in his footsteps.
