Three students of the University of Lagos have received the Elumelu Legacy Prize Award, an initiative of the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
The awardees are:
1. Buhari, Abdul-Hakeem Abiola who received the N250, 000:00 Tony Elumelu Prize and Plaque for Excellence in Economics and Management for the Best Graduating Student in Economics;
2. Ojikutu, Moninuola Seliat who received the N250,000:00 Awele V. Elumelu Prize and Plaque for Excellence in Medicine for the Best Graduating Student in Medicine; and
3. Isiaq, Adijat O. who received the N500, 000:00 Tony Elumelu Prize and Plaque for Excellence in Economics and Management for the Best Graduating Student, Masters of Business Administration (MBA).
Speaking at the Award Presentation Ceremony held on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Rahamon A. Bello, described the Award as an apt foundation to inspire, reward and encourage meritocracy among students. While expressing gratitude to the Tony Elumelu Foundation for initiating the Award Scheme, Professor Bello noted that the support of public-spirited individuals and organisations such as the Foundation are vital to ensuring that tertiary institutions in Nigeria remain centres for human capital development and engines for innovations.
The Vice-Chancellor called for further partnership with the Foundation, other well-meaning organisations and individuals in the area of endowments; donation of bonds, securities and cash in any currency; building of classrooms, libraries, laboratories and hostels; provision of books, equipment and laboratories’ facilities; bursaries; scholarships among others, to boost efforts to move the University to the league of globally-acclaimed tertiary institutions.
Similarly, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Research), Professor Babajide Alo, FAS, thanked the Foundation for partnering with the University and rewarding academic excellence. He depicted the Founder of the Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu, CON as a worthy alumnus of the University.
While delivering a brief speech, the Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu CON recalled his days as a student within the University and his journey from grass to grace. He described the University of Lagos as an excellent training ground, with a commendable merit-driven system.
Mr. Elumelu announced plans by the Foundation to take its partnership with UNILAG to the next level by setting up a Business School within the University and offering scholarships to indigent students. He advised the awardees and other Nigerian youths to constantly aspire to be the best and not constrain themselves due to challenges such as lack of fund.
The three awardees, in separate remarks, expressed profound appreciation to the Foundation for honouring them with the Awards. They also thanked their parents, staff and Management of the University for providing the enabling learning environment and promised to be worthy UNILAG ambassadors.
The Award Presentation Ceremony which was organized by the University’s Office of Advancement, was held in the Senate Chambers, Senate House, UNILAG Main Campus. The event was also attended by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Duro Oni; Registrar, Oluwarotimi O.A. Shodimu; Bursar, Mr Lateef Odekunle; Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Folasade Ogunsola; Deans of the Faculties of Social Sciences, Professor Omololu Soyombo; Business Administration, Professor Ben Oghojafor; Education, Professor Mopelola Omoegun; Students’ Affairs, Professor Olukayode Amund; Acting Dean of Faculty of Arts, Professor Bayo Lawal; Director of Institute of Continuous Education (ICE), Professor Godwin Azenabor; Director (VC’s office), Mrs Amodu; 2012 Best Graduating Student, Favour Asuquo Ibok and her mother, Mrs. Ibok, Representatives of the United Bank of Africa; parents as well as families of the Elumelu Legacy Prize winners.