By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Patrick Erinoso
In a remarkable show of generosity, Bishop Felix Owolabi, an alumnus of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and General Overseer of Faith Triumph Ministries International in Maryland, USA, awarded scholarships worth millions of naira to over 100 indigent students of FUNAAB. The awards were presented at the fourth series of the Bishop & Rev. (Dr.) Mrs. Felix Owolabi Annual Scholarship Programme, held at the Alumni Secretariat on November 6, 2024.
The Deputy Registrar II, Exams & Records Unit, Mr. Adewale Ojoye, representing the Registrar, Dr. Titus Adedeji who stood in for the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, commended the donor for the act of philanthropy, adding that he was also an indigent student when he was in FUNAAB. He encouraged the recipients not to let their backgrounds hold them back, urging them to face their studies squarely to graduate with flying colours.
The Vice-Chancellor, in a message delivered by the Deputy Registrar, applauded the hard work and resilience of FUNAAB’s staff and students, which led to the University’s recognition as the Best University of Agriculture in Africa and the 7th in the world by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. He advised the scholarship recipients to adopt a positive mindset and work diligently toward success, assuring them that a humble background is not a limitation.
In his address, Dr. Femi Adefila, CEO of RAV FM and Western Spring TV, who represented Bishop Owolabi, inspired the beneficiaries to set high ambitions for themselves and to vow to change the trajectories of their lives. “You shouldn’t be deterred by your current circumstances but should instead be motivated to reach the top,” he said. He encouraged the students to use the funds wisely and to remember the importance of giving back to society.
Prof. Mutiu Busari, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Partnerships (DRIP) and a Board member of the Award Foundation, reflected on his own experience as a former indigent student, underscoring the value of dedication to studies. He reminded the students of the spiritual significance of pledging to give back in the future.
Earlier, Mr. Bolaji Gbadamosi, Global President of the FUNAAB Alumni Association, commended Bishop Owolabi’s continued philanthropy, citing a recent endowment of 1 million naira to the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) and a 6 million naira donation for medical assistance to a late alumna, Miss Folasade Akinde. Mr. Gbadamosi, a member of FUNAAB’s Governing Council, appealed to other alumni to emulate Bishop Owolabi’s example by supporting students in need, noting that some students struggle to find accommodation due to inability of funds.
Representing the University Counsellor, Mrs. Felicia Olaleye expressed appreciation for the donor’s efforts, while Miss Fiyinfoluwa Oladipupo, from the Department of Soil Science and Land Management, COLPLANT, thanked Bishop Owolabi for the life-changing support on behalf of the beneficiaries.
Also in attendance were the Global National Vice-President I, Alhaji Sikiru Salako; Global Secretary, Mr. Femi Ajayi; Mrs. Olufunke Adegbite from the Counselling Unit, and numerous alumni members.
