The Egbe Omo Oduduwa Inc. of South Florida (EOOI) has awarded scholarship to 27 final-year students of the University of Ibadan on the Deacon Oluwole Ale Memorial Scholarship Programme.
The scholarship award marks the third that would be presented to students of the University, having presented the award consistently for three years.
Addressing the recipients during the award presentation, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. K.O. Adebowale, commended the Egbe Omo Oduduwa Inc. for their consistency in awarding the Deacon Oluwole Ale Memorial Scholarship annually since its inception in the University.
He noted that unlike many programmes that fade after a few years, the EOOI scholarship has remained reliable, providing students with the support they need to finish their studies successfully.
Professor Adebowale admitted that the University can no longer depend on government funding alone, stressing the need for stronger partnerships with alumni, friends and donors.
He highlighted how initiatives like the Omo Oduduwa Scholarship help reduce financial burdens on students while also rewarding hard work, discipline, and service, enjoining others to emulate them.
The Vice Chancellor further congratulated the awardees and encouraged them to see the scholarship as motivation to excel in their academics and personal development.
Dr. Wale Alonge, who represented the President of Egbe Omo Oduduwa Inc. at the event reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting students in Nigeria through the scholarship programme.
He stated that the award is targeted at indigent Yoruba students from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, and Kogi States who have demonstrated both academic excellence and leadership in community service.
The EOOI has been awarding scholarships in various institutions in Nigeria consistently for over two decades, bringing it to the University of Ibadan about three years ago.
He appreciated the management of the University for the warmth with which they have received, and continue to extend to his group.
Dr Alonge urged the students to emulate the gesture they are benefitting from in the future, so that they can also contribute towards strengthening the generation coming after them.
Speaking earlier, the Dean of Students. Prof. Demola Lewis, while reiterating the positive effect that the scholarship would have on the students, affirmed that the scholarship addresses both indigence and intelligence and would help make recipients’ final year experience a smooth sail.
The event was rounded off with a vote of thanks by the Registrar of the University, Mr G.O. Saliu, who joined the Vice Chancellor in commending the Egbe Omo Oduduwa Inc. for their generosity and consistency in giving back.
The Registrar expressed optimism that the gesture will have a ripple effect, positively affecting not only these generation of students, but future generations as well.
