.The National Association of Nigerian Students has applauded Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for recognizing two outstanding indigenes who emerged as the best-graduating students at the University of Lagos during its 55th convocation.
The governor appointed Samuel Badekale and Haroun Adebakin as Education Ambassadors of Ogun State, further honoring them with a N10 million cash reward each for their exceptional academic performance.
Both Adebakin and Badekale achieved a perfect Grade Point Average of 5.0, earning them the title of best-graduating students at the convocation ceremony.
NANS, in a statement signed by its Vice President for Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Akinbodunse Sileola, described the governor’s gesture as “unprecedented and noble,” commending his commitment to promoting academic excellence.
According to Akinbodunse, Governor Abiodun’s recognition of the students not only celebrates their hard work but also serves as an inspiration for other Ogun indigenes to strive for excellence in their educational pursuits.
She emphasized that the governor’s action underscores the high value his administration places on education, highlighting that no previous government in the state had demonstrated such a strong commitment to rewarding academic brilliance.
Describing the initiative as an “unusual gesture,” Akinbodunse acknowledged that since assuming office in 2019, Abiodun has consistently supported Ogun students studying within and outside the state.
She further stated that, based on NANS’ findings across the country, no other governor has demonstrated a comparable level of dedication to encouraging student achievement.
The statement read in part, “NANS at the national level is delighted at the unprecedented gesture of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, for his decision to appoint two indigenes of the state who emerged as the Best Graduating Students at UNILAG’s 55th Convocation as Education Ambassadors of Ogun State. The governor equally gifted N10m each to Samuel Badekale and Haroun Adebakin as a reward for their academic excellence. This is highly commendable; it will serve as encouragement for other indigenous students to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits.”
Highlighting the governor’s history of rewarding academic excellence, the statement recalled how, five years ago, Abiodun gifted a bungalow and N5 million to an Ogun indigene who emerged as the best-graduating student at Lagos State University.
Additionally, he recognized a secondary school student for winning a global Mathematics competition with a special laptop and an education endorsement fund worth millions of naira.
More recently, a teacher from the state who received the Best Global Teacher award was also rewarded.
“These numerous initiatives clearly reflect the governor’s deep passion for educational development in Ogun State and his commitment to celebrating exceptional achievers,” the statement noted.
NANS further urged other state governors to take a cue from Governor Abiodun by investing in education and rewarding outstanding academic feats.
“As the umbrella body of student associations, NANS hereby calls on other state governors to emulate Governor Abiodun in his administration’s deliberate investment in the education of his people as well as rewarding uncommon academic feats.”
The association concluded by reaffirming its support for the governor’s initiatives aimed at enhancing quality education in Ogun State.
“NANS, while further applauding Governor Abiodun’s exemplary leadership and superlative act of reward, we promise to continue to support the governor in his administration’s efforts to enhance the delivery of quality education and encouragement being given to the students in his state.”
