Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced a cash reward of N2m each to three best-graduating students of the Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade.
Abiodun announced the cash reward at the 5th combined convocation of the Polytechnic held at the institution’s auditorium on Wednesday.
The three students, who emerged best in their respective sessions, were Suliyat Yusuf for the 2023/2024 session, Victor Omontuhen for the 2022/2023 session, and Theresa Agu for the 2021/2022 session.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, also noted that his administration has earmarked N200m for education development across the state.
The governor said, “Our administration approved N200m for the state education trust fund to support our state-owned tertiary institutions. These efforts underscore our commitment to fostering an education system where students can excel in our very changing world.
“It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the overall best-graduating students and announce that the state government would be making a cash gift of N2m each to these students.”
The governor also seized the opportunity to express condolences to the family of the late Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Adewumi Onanuga, who was conferred with a fellowship of the institution posthumously.
He challenged the graduating students to be innovators and problem solvers.
“It is a bitter-sweet mix that my dear sister, Adewunmi Onanuga, passed away last week. This fellowship is an acknowledgement of the impact she made in her constituency and we know that her good works will live after her.
“To our graduating students, today marks the beginning of a new chapter. As you step out onto 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, the Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Sanni Oseni, disclosed that 248 graduates of the Polytechnic bagged distinction.
According to Oseni, the distinction recipients comprised 80 National Diploma graduates and 168 Higher National Diploma graduates for the three sessions.
He said, “Your Excellency, I am pleased to inform you that today, we have 248 graduates who have satisfactorily distinguished themselves in fulfilling the requirements for the awards of their diplomas.
“Today, we are proud to inform you that in this combined 5th convocation ceremony, 80 students had the distinction at the National Diploma and 168 distinctions at the Higher National Diploma levels respectively in three sessions.”
The rector charged the graduates to be a torchbearer of innovation and excellence in their various fields.
“Triumphantly, you have surmounted the hurdles of the four walls of tertiary education: academic pressures, societal expectations, and personal challenges.
“I, therefore challenge you to go forth boldly, dear graduands, as touch bearers of innovation, excellence, and resilience. The world awaits your brilliance. Rise to the challenge, shape the future, and never stop striving for greatness,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the convocating students, the overall best-graduating student with a 3.91/4.00 Cumulative Grade Point Average, Suliyat Yusuf, urged her colleagues to embrace the challenges ahead with positivity and excellence.
“Fellow graduates, as we embark on this new chapter in our lives, let us remember the lessons we have learnt within these hallowed walls. Let us strive for excellence in all our endeavours, guided by the principles of integrity, honour, and compassion.
“Let us contribute positively to our communities and strive to make a difference in the world. This is not the end of our journey but the beginning of a new and exciting phase. Let us carry the torch of knowledge and use it to illuminate our paths,” Yusuf said.
The highlight of the ceremony included the foundation laying of the institution’s School of Agriculture complex.
