An alumnus of the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA, Engr. Gbenga Owolabi has awarded scholarships worth 10 million naira to 141 undergraduates across the Schools in the institution. The sum of 50, 000 naira and 20,000 naira each were given to 500 level students and 200-400 level students respectively. The scholarship ,under the aegis of the Renaissance Support Program , were given to indigent students and students who excelled academically in the last academic semester.
Engr Owolabi a FUTA commenced the program during the 2018/2019 academic session in the Department of Physics for students in the 200-400 level who are indigent as well as those in the 200-400 level who have achieved the highest CGPA in the previous academic session.
Speaking at the award ceremony on the 15th of August 2024 at the Hilltop Auditorium of the university, the donor who was represented by Mr. Feso Ademuwagun ,said ” it is an honor to give back to this institute. We spent the formative years of our life here. The memories and impact are vivid and indelible in our hearts. The university laid a perfect foundation for me to discover my passion and unleash my potential. I’m grateful to teachers who guided me and friends who supported me. I was encouraged to strive for excellence. ”
Engr. Owolabi said his donation was borne or of a spirit of gratitude to an institution that moulded his life positively and meaningfully. He encouraged the students to use the awards judiciously. He said “this donation is a token in recognition of your hard work, dedication and perseverance. Keep pushing boundaries. Be focused and don’t lose sight of your dreams. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. The seeds of grace lie in every one of us. Make your family proud and be good ambassadors of this great institution.”
Responding to the gesture ,the Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Development, Professor Sunday Oluyamo said “FUTA is blessed with the best crop of alumni. They’ve been consistently supportive and have not relented in giving back to the institution now and again. Development of institutions all over the world is made possible by alumni and FUTA graduates are not left out in the infrastructural and academic development of FUTA.”
She commended the donation by Engr. Owolabi, describing it as magnanimous and laudable adding that the donation will spur the awardees to achieve more feats academically and also further encourage other alumni to perpetuate the tradition of giving back to the institution.
Earlier the coordinator of the event, Professor Joseph Ojo, said ” Engr. Owolabi started the scholarship for students in Physics department, but this year is for all departments in FUTA. His passion for academic excellence has engineered support for less privileged and academically sound students. ”
Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Segun Adeoye of the Marine Science Technology department appreciated the donor for his gesture and promised to work worthy of the donation and also give back to FUTA in the future.
