By Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter
TWO EXCEPTIONAL graduates from the University of Lagos have been recognised by Governor Dapo Abiodun, who appointed them Education Ambassadors and awarded them ₦10 million each.
Samuel Badekale and Haroun Adebakin, who achieved a perfect Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0, were received at the governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Abiodun commended their academic achievements, emphasising that their dedication and discipline serve as an inspiration to other young scholars.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to celebrating excellence, stating that individuals who bring pride to the state will continue to receive recognition and support.
“I congratulate you as our Education Ambassadors, and I don’t want you to be too far from the Commissioner for Education so that we can assist you in achieving your aspirations,” Abiodun said.
The governor also highlighted education as a crucial tool for success and poverty eradication, stressing that their accomplishments were a testament to resilience and hard work.
He acknowledged Ogun State’s legacy of producing distinguished professionals and expressed confidence in the scholars’ future contributions.
Parents of the awardees received commendation for their sacrifices in ensuring their children received quality education.
In response, Adebakin and Badekale expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as proof of the government’s dedication to academic excellence.
They encouraged young Nigerians to stay focused on their studies and avoid negative influences.
“You can be successful and recognised without engaging in fraud and other unwholesome practices, just as we are being celebrated today,” they noted.
Ogun Seeks Federal Takeover of TASUED
Meanwhile, Governor Abiodun has revealed plans to transfer the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) to the Federal Government.
Speaking in Abeokuta, he explained that the move aims to ensure equitable distribution of federal educational institutions across the state while securing additional funding to elevate TASUED’s status as a centre of academic excellence.
“TASUED, established in 2005, has played a pivotal role in education, but federal backing will provide greater resources and opportunities,” he stated.
The governor noted that creating new federal universities requires substantial investment, making the takeover a strategic approach.
He added that discussions with President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Education began last year, culminating in recent approval.
“This did not happen by accident; it was intentional, deliberate, and purposeful. We asked for it, and Mr President, in his kindness, saw with us, accepted, and granted us the approval,” Abiodun said.
He assured the Federal Government of inheriting a well-structured institution that has consistently delivered quality education under his administration.
The development was welcomed by educational stakeholders, who anticipate that TASUED’s federal status will enhance its capacity to influence national education policies.
