Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has appointed Samuel Badekale and Haroun Adebakin, who emerged as the best graduating students of the University of Lagos during its 55th convocation, as the state’s education ambassadors.
The governor also presented them with cheques of N10m each in recognition of their academic excellence.
Receiving them at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the state capital, on Friday, Abiodun commended their exceptional achievement of attaining a 5.0 Grade Point Average, stating that they had not only made the state proud but also set themselves on the path of greatness.
The governor said, “I want to commend you for achieving this great honour for yourselves, your families, the state, and Nigeria because it is not enough that you come from Ogun State and are flying Ogun State’s flag.
“We are going to appoint you as our Education Ambassadors. It is our hope that other up-and-coming students, those who are still in school, will see you and find motivation in you, allowing them to emulate your good virtues.
“You have to think about how you can support and motivate them. As our Education Ambassadors, we are going to develop programs where you can actually go to schools and talk to them because it will be easier for you to communicate with them.
“I can talk to them, but I may not be able to communicate with them effectively. However, when you speak to them, you will be able to connect because they can identify with you as you are of the same wavelength and age bracket, and you can relate to what they are going through, including their pains and issues.
“I congratulate you as our Education Ambassadors, and I don’t want you to be too far away from the Commissioner for Education so that whatever career path you choose, we can support you in achieving your potential and all that you aspire to.
“But today, we will be supporting you with small cheques of N10m each—just a token of our appreciation to you and your parents for what you have accomplished in making Ogun State proud.”
Abiodun highlighted the importance of education as a pathway to success, emphasizing its role in eradicating poverty and creating opportunities.
“It gives you the platform and passport that allows you to apply for different opportunities, whether job opportunities, or master’s programs, among others. It is what helps you in the process of determination,” he said.
He praised the students for their perseverance, consistency, and discipline in achieving their goals.
“You set a target for yourselves and decided that you would not settle for second place but strive for the very best. I must say that this is the Ogun State spirit, and I am not surprised that both of you, in the same year and department, studied the same Cell Biology and Genetics.
“You have both chosen to pursue a very abstract discipline that requires a lot of intellect, and you have not just excelled, but excelled very well. You graduated with a 5.0, the top of your class,” he added.
The governor noted that Ogun State has produced many distinguished individuals in various fields, expressing confidence that Badekale and Adebakin would continue the tradition of excellence.
“This is the blood that flows in you. I am impressed and excited that you are living up to expectations,” he said.
Abiodun also spoke on his administration’s efforts to revamp the education sector, citing the introduction of reforms such as the Revitalization Agenda and a Learner Identification Number system that tracks student enrollment.
He commended the parents of the awardees for instilling the right values in their children and making sacrifices to ensure their education, noting that their reward would be the success of their children.
Speaking at the event, Adebakin and Badekale thanked the governor for the recognition, describing it as a testament to his commitment to the education sector.
They encouraged young people to remain focused on their studies and avoid negative influences.