* As students shower encomiums on VC, lecturers, varsity
By John Odunjo
For the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), it has been garlands galore as students of the institution are making it proud at any given opportunity.
Four FUOYE students were among the Nigerian students that emerged victorious at the scholarship contest organised by the MTN, a multi-national telecommunications company, to test the intelligence quotient of the students.
They are Adepoju David Ayomide, 400L, Mathematics Department; Ogunbotu Jesutofunmi Mary, Mathematics Department; Adeleye Adedamola David, 400L, Computer Science Department; and Amao Grace Oreoluwa of Computer Science Department.
Winners of the MTN scholarship contest are smiling home with both whopping monetary awards and free digital skills training for improved capacity building.
Also, another FUOYE student, Miss Kehinde Ayomikun Alalade emerged the overall best among Nigerian students who participated in the Nigeria Association of Engineering, Geology, and Environment (NAEGE) contest, while her twin sister, Taiwo Jane Alalade of the same department, had the best presentation at the occasion.
Taiwo made the judges so happy that she got an instant cash gift of N20,000 in recognition of her intelligence.
* Kehinde Alalade
Speaking about the laudable development and her preparation for its success, Miss Kehinde said: “I am thrilled to have won the 2022 NAEGE’s AICE Student Quiz Competition. It was a truly humbling experience for me. I would like to extend my gratitude to my parents, whose love and encouragement have been invaluable throughout my journey.
“I am also grateful to my HoD for his support, our sponsor, Daddy Isaac Odedere, and the NAEGE for organizing such a fantastic competition. I specially thank my twin sister, Alalade Taiwo Ayomide, for her inspiring example and support. I would also like to express my appreciation to my friend, Iroko Samuel Jesutofunmi, for his unwavering support and belief in me.
“I appreciate all the lecturers in Geology Department for imparting the right knowledge in me. They are excellent examples of the kind of success and dedication that I aspire to. I admire their hard work and commitment to their craft, and I hope to follow in their footsteps. They have inspired me to reach for the stars, and I am grateful for their guidance and support.
“I would like to appreciate FUOYE, my great citadel of learning, I and also express my gratitude to the Vice Chancellor of FUOYE, Prof. Abayomi Fasina. His leadership and vision have created an environment of excellence and opportunity, and I am grateful to have had the chance to study at such a wonderful institution” Kehinde said.
*Grace Amao
Also speaking, Miss Grace Amao said: “It feels so amazing to be selected as an MTN scholarship awardee. A few months ago, the HoD, Dr Adewole, sent the link for the application to our 300-level departmental group. I applied because I met all the necessary requirements, and that was how I shot my shot at it.
“When I got the message that I had advanced to the testing stage on August 26th, I didn’t know what to look forward to at the assessment, but I knew there would be technical questions. I studied a few current affairs related to Nigeria and solved different Mathematics questions just to test my knowledge, but I still didn’t feel like I was well prepared for them.
“However, I took the proctored assessment in my mother’s office, as I could access the internet better there and enjoy better lighting. The assessment was tough, as expected.
“On September 8, 2023, I got the mail that I had been selected as an MTN scholarship awardee (with a cash prize) along with an invitation to the MTN Foundation scholarship award and alumni induction event! I was just too excited.
“I attended the event in Lagos, and I was inspired by the series of speeches and stories by other alumni present. I learned that diligence and determination are important, but you also need to have a drive to where you are going. Also, doing starts with an action.
“I believe this is a stepping stone to more, and I look forward to doing even more. I’m very grateful to all my lecturers. They are role models and are worthy of emulation in their field. My heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Lawrence Adewole, a very phenomenal and intelligent lecturer, leader, and role model. Thank you so much, Sir.
“My sincere appreciation to FUOYE, my great citadel of learning. Thank you for the opportunities I have enjoyed and will still enjoy. Continue to produce great minds!”
*Adepoju David Ayomide
Another MTN Foundation awardee, Mr Adepoju, said, “I said, Let me just give it a trial and to God be the glory, we went through the stages, and we came, saw, and conquered. This MTN scholarship will help me so much as it is a N200,000 award that will assist me with school fees, payments, and others.
“One of the fascinating things about the award is that it came with some digital skills acquisition, which will really assist me in improving my field as a mathematician.
“I really appreciate my lecturers in the faculty and the department, such as my HOD, Dr Lukman Akinola and Mr Fatai, who facilitated our interest in the application processing and submission. I am also very proud of my university, FUOYE, which prepared us for this excellent outing.”
*Adeleye Adedamola
Also, an excited Mr Adeleye said, “In preparation, I checked the scholarship’s requirements and criteria, ensuring that I met all the qualifications. I sought guidance and support from my dedicated lecturers, who provided valuable insights and guidance. Mr Joshua, who was once a beneficiary of this scholarship, in particular, played a pivotal role by offering hints and strategies that greatly enhanced my application.
“When I received the news, I was overwhelmed with gladness and gratitude. It was a moment of pure joy. Knowing that my hard work, dedication, and the support of my lecturers had paid off was immensely rewarding.
“To my fellow students, I’d like to stress the value of staying determined and committed. Success might not happen right away, but if you keep trying, you can reach your goals. Don’t hesitate to seek help and advice from your lecturers and classmates; their knowledge and motivation can be a real game-changer.
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the university’s leadership and the VC, Prof. Fasina, for their unwavering dedication to offering opportunities such as this scholarship. Your commitment to enhancing education and striving for excellence is truly praiseworthy. This serves as a wellspring of inspiration, spurring us on to pursue academic greatness.
“I would also like to offer a special acknowledgement to my HOD, Dr Adewole for his exceptional support. His timely assistance and encouragement have made a significant impact on my success,” he said.
* Taiwo, Kehinde, with HOD Geology
The HOD, Geology, Dr Oyelami, said, “Appreciations to our benefactor in the department who usually sponsors our students annually to at least two conferences around the country. His name is Mr Sam Odedere. He would normally sponsor minimum of five students, but because of the distance, three were in Minna this year.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Association of Computing Students (NACOS) has congratulated the awardees, wishing them a greater future and success ahead.
This was contained in a statement co-signed by the EXCO members of the association’s chapter in FUOYE, Comrades Suleiman Hammer Swift, Adenika Caleb Ayoola, Adedini Autumnal, and Vincent Oluwatobiloba.
They stated, “We congratulate you on your outstanding achievement to be among the selected winners of the MTN Scholarship. Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off. We wish you continued success in your academic journey and beyond. Keep striving for greatness and making us proud.”
