Engr. Gbenga Owolabi, an illustrious alumnus of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has awarded scholarships totaling 10 million naira to 141 deserving undergraduates.
The scholarships, part of the Renaissance Support Program, were distributed to students across various schools within the institution.
The scholarship awards, comprising 50,000 naira for 500-level students and 20,000 naira for 200-400 level students, were granted to both indigent students and those who demonstrated academic excellence in the previous semester. The initiative, which began during the 2018/2019 academic session within the Department of Physics, has now expanded to include students from all departments.
The award ceremony, held on August 15, 2024, at the Hilltop Auditorium, was graced by notable university officials and students.
Representing Engr. Owolabi, Mr. Feso Ademuwagun, delivered an inspiring speech, “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’s donation reflects his deep gratitude towards an institution that significantly shaped his life. He urged the students to make the most of the awards, emphasizing, “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.”
In her response, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Development, Professor Sunday Oluyamo, expressed profound appreciation for Engr. Owolabi’s generosity.
“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 lauded the donation as magnanimous and laudable, noting that it would inspire the awardees to achieve greater academic success and encourage other alumni to continue the tradition of giving back to their alma mater.
The coordinator of the event, Professor Joseph Ojo, highlighted the expansion of the scholarship programme “Engr. Owolabi started the scholarship for students in the Physics department, but this year it is for all departments in FUTA. His passion for academic excellence has engineered support for less privileged and academically sound students.”
Segun Adeoye of the Marine Science Technology department, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the generous gesture and vowed to honor the donation through hard work and future contributions to FUTA.
This remarkable act of philanthropy by Engr. Owolabi underscores the enduring bond between alumni and their alma mater, reinforcing the spirit of giving and academic excellence within FUTA.
