UNIOSUN Students Receive Scholarships as VC Commends ODF Texas, WAPCO For Investing In Education

No fewer than 31 students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo, on Tuesday received scholarship awards from the Osun Development Association Forum (ODF), Texas, USA, and the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO) in a move aimed at supporting academic excellence and easing students’ financial burdens.

The scholarship presentation, held at the Council Chamber of the university’s main campus in Osogbo, drew members of the university management, academic staff, students, representatives of the donor organisations, and media practitioners.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, described the scholarship initiative as a strong demonstration of collective responsibility in Nation-building and a significant investment in the future of the beneficiaries.

He said the gesture went beyond financial assistance, describing it as “a symbol of hope, opportunity and belief in the transformative power of education.”

Professor Adebooye expressed deep appreciation to the Osun Development Association Forum, Texas, USA, for what he described as its sustained commitment to educational advancement and youth empowerment, noting that the organisation had consistently shown dedication to giving back to Osun State through impactful interventions.

He also commended WAPCO for its intervention, describing the company’s support as a clear example of corporate social responsibility and commitment to human capital development.

“This occasion reminds us that education is too important to be left to institutions alone. It requires the support of communities, corporate bodies and development-driven organisations who understand that investing in students is investing in the future,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

He urged the beneficiaries to regard the scholarships as both a privilege and a responsibility, charging them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to excellence.

“Your background does not determine your future; your determination does. Stay focused and let excellence be your signature,” he advised.

Professor Adebooye reaffirmed the university’s commitment to producing globally competitive graduates equipped with knowledge, character and the capacity to address societal challenges, adding that the institution would continue to strengthen partnerships aimed at expanding scholarship opportunities and improving student welfare.

Earlier in his address, the President of the Osun Development Association Forum (ODF), Texas, Alhaji Kazeem Adetunji, said the organisation remained committed to educational development and community advancement in Osun State.

Adetunji disclosed that ODF, a non-profit socio-cultural organisation based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in the United States, had, since 2016, provided about 600 scholarships and endowments to students in various Nigerian universities.

He explained that out of the 56 students supported in the current scholarship cycle across four universities in Osun State, 21 were from Osun State University, 18 from Obafemi Awolowo University, six from the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, and 11 from the University of Ilesa.

He further revealed that three UNIOSUN students sponsored by ODF graduated this year with First Class Honours, a feat he said mirrored the achievements recorded in the previous year.

According to him, the organisation’s interventions extend beyond education, noting that ODF had installed 19 motorised boreholes across communities in Osun State since 2018 and carried out medical outreaches that benefited over 1,500 residents in 2023.

Adetunji commended the management of Osun State University for its support and acknowledged the contributions of Professor Olayinka Akinwusi in facilitating the scholarship initiative since its inception at the university in 2016.

He expressed optimism that the beneficiaries would not only excel academically but also cultivate the spirit of giving back to society.