By Joy Adeyiga
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Alumni Association has extended a life-changing gesture to 108 indigent students out of over 400 applicants by awarding scholarships worth over ₦10.6 million.
The scholarships are made possible through the joint efforts of the U.S.A. Branch of the Alumni Association, Kind Heart Annual Scholarship, and the Engr. Olusina and Prof. Subuola Fasoyiro Annual Scholarship Award. The scholarships were aimed at alleviating financial burdens and supporting deserving students in their academic journey by offsetting their student charges.
At the award ceremony held on November 7, 2024, at the FUNAAB Alumni Centre, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde commended the Alumni Association for their remarkable contribution. Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Kola Adebayo, the Vice-Chancellor lauded the initiative, highlighting the importance of supporting the student community. He encouraged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the University’s Work and Learn scheme as a means to ease their financial pressures and reduce the number of future applicants.
The Vice-Chancellor urged the recipients to extend a helping hand to fellow students who were unable to benefit from the scholarship, emphasising the importance of giving back to the University in the future.
In his Welcome Address, the Global President of the Alumni Association, Mr. Bolaji Gbadamosi, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his continued support. He pledged the Alumni Association’s commitment to supporting the University’s vision and encouraged the students to excel in their studies to enable them to contribute back to their alma mater.
The Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga, advised the students to prioritise their academics, noting that the primary goal of their University education is to seek, acquire, and apply knowledge for future endeavours. He, therefore, supported the initiative with ₦250,000.
In his speech, Mr. Temitope Soritire, Ag. Director, Information and Communication Technology Resource Centre (ICTREC), highlighted the automation of the scholarship process, which has enhanced transparency and accountability.
Mrs. Felicia Olaleye of the University Counselling Unit commended the sponsors for increasing the number of beneficiaries each year. She also motivated the students to assist others in need, fostering a spirit of mutual support.
Distinguished alumni, including Mr. Bayo Okenla and Prof. Subuola Fasoyiro, participated in the event virtually, sharing their words of encouragement.
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Blessing Raymond, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the recipients, assuring the sponsors and the University Management that they would uphold the University’s values and excel in their studies.
