FUTA Alumnus Awards ₦10 Million in Scholarships to 141 Students

Engr. Gbenga Owolabi, an alumnus of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), has awarded scholarships totaling ₦10 million to 141 undergraduate students across various faculties in the institution. The scholarships, awarded under the Renaissance Support Program, provided ₦50,000 to 500-level students and ₦20,000 to students in 200-400 levels. The beneficiaries included both indigent students and those who excelled academically in the previous semester.

Engr. Owolabi, who initiated the scholarship program during the 2018/2019 academic session for students in the Department of Physics, has since expanded the program to benefit students across all departments. The program initially focused on supporting students in the 200-400 levels who demonstrated financial need or achieved the highest Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in their respective levels.

The scholarship awards ceremony took place on August 15, 2024, at the Hilltop Auditorium of FUTA. Representing Engr. Owolabi, Mr. Feso Ademuwagun spoke on the significance of giving back to the institution. "It is an honor to give back to this institute," he said. "The memories and impact of my time here are vivid and indelible. FUTA laid a perfect foundation for me to discover my passion and unleash my potential. I am grateful to the teachers who guided me and the friends who supported me. This donation is a token of recognition for your hard work, dedication, and perseverance."

Engr. Owolabi emphasized that his contribution stemmed from a deep sense of gratitude to an institution that positively shaped his life. He encouraged the students to use the awards wisely, urging them to remain focused on their dreams and to see challenges as opportunities for growth. "Make your family proud and be good ambassadors of this great institution," he advised.

The Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Development, Professor Sunday Oluyamo, expressed appreciation for the generous donation. "FUTA is blessed with the best crop of alumni," she said. "They have been consistently supportive and have not relented in giving back to the institution. The development of institutions worldwide is often driven by alumni, and FUTA graduates continue to play a significant role in the infrastructural and academic growth of the university."

Professor Oladiji described Engr. Owolabi's donation as both 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.

Professor Joseph Ojo, the event's coordinator, highlighted that Engr. Owolabi's passion for academic excellence had led him to extend his support beyond the Physics department to students in all departments of FUTA. "His commitment to supporting less privileged and academically sound students is commendable," Professor Ojo said.

On behalf of the scholarship recipients, Segun Adeoye, a student from the Marine Science and Technology department, expressed gratitude to Engr. Owolabi and pledged to honor the scholarship by striving for excellence and giving back to FUTA in the future.