21 UNIOSUN Students Receive ODF Scholarships As Group Celebrates Academic Excellence

No fewer than 21 students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) on Tuesday received scholarships and educational endowments from the Osun Development Forum (ODF), a United States-based socio-cultural organisation committed to the development of Osun State.

The scholarships were presented during an award ceremony held at the university, where ODF also honoured a total of 56 students drawn from four tertiary institutions in the state.

Speaking at the event, the President of ODF, Alhaji Kazeem Adetunji, said the initiative was aimed at rewarding academic excellence and supporting students in overcoming financial barriers to education.

According to him, the beneficiaries comprised 21 students from UNIOSUN, 18 from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, six from the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, and 11 from the University of Ilesa.

Adetunji noted that the Dallas-Fort Worth–based organisation had, over the last 27 years, remained committed to the development of Osun State through interventions in education, healthcare, and community development.

He disclosed that since 2016, the organisation had provided about 600 scholarships and endowments to students across Nigerian universities.

“We have come together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of 56 talented students from diverse schools across Osun State. What makes this occasion even more special is the fact that 21 of these distinguished scholars come from this esteemed institution.

“This gathering serves as a powerful testament to our commitment to recognising academic excellence while also reinforcing our steadfast support for the educational ambitions that thrive within our community,” Adetunji said.

The ODF president also revealed that three students sponsored by the organisation at UNIOSUN graduated with First-Class honours this year, describing the feat as evidence of the impact of educational support on students’ performance.

“Additionally, we are delighted to announce that three students who graduated from UNIOSUN this year, supported by our sponsorship, attained First-Class Honours. Remarkably, this achievement was mirrored last year, further underscoring the consistent excellence of these scholars,” he added.

Beyond education, Adetunji highlighted the organisation’s contributions to public health and infrastructure across Osun State.

He said ODF had installed 19 motorised boreholes in communities including Osogbo, Ede, Modakeke, Oke-Ila, Iragbiji, Oyan, and Inisa since 2018, while a 2023 medical outreach programme provided healthcare services to more than 1,500 residents across the state’s three senatorial districts.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Prof. Clement Adebooye, commended ODF for sustaining the scholarship programme and investing in the future of young people in the state.

Adebooye described the initiative as a demonstration of the power of partnership in advancing quality education and supporting students to achieve their academic goals.

The Vice-Chancellor said the university remained grateful for ODF’s contributions over the years and urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through hard work, discipline, and academic excellence.

“This scholarship is not only a reward for excellence but also a challenge to the beneficiaries to continue striving for greater achievements. We appreciate ODF for standing with our students and helping to shape future leaders,” he said.

Adetunji also expressed appreciation to the university management for supporting the programme and acknowledged the role of Prof. Olayinka Akinwusi in bringing the initiative to UNIOSUN in 2016.

He urged the beneficiaries to remain committed to excellence and develop a culture of giving back to society.

“We sincerely hope that those who receive this endowment will develop a lasting commitment to generosity and give back to their communities in the years ahead,” he said.