Six exceptional graduates of Ekiti origin have received funding support from the State Governor, DR Kayode Fayemi to embark on postgraduate studies in some leading universities in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and China.
The six first class products who emerged the first set of beneficiaries of Fayemi Scholars, an education funding platform organized by the Governor, include Omowumi Odetola who graduated from the University of Ibadan and the Nigeria Law School with first class grades, Banke Olabintan a first class graduate of Law from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Bunmi Alonge who also bagged a first class in History and International Relations from Ife and Segun Aluko who though has hearing impairment is a graduate of Babcock University.
Others are Temitope Omotosho a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso and Michael Ogunlade who holds both a Higher National Diploma in Electronics Engineering from the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti and a B.Sc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.
Speaking at the official presentation of the young scholars in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, Governor Fayemi said the six beneficiaries were chosen from a pool of applicants who approached government for support towards their educational pursuit; adding that their selection is based on merit and good character.
The Governor who assured that his administration would sustain the initiative on an annual basis said the dope of the funding would be increased within the limits of available resources.
He explained that his administration in the last three years have worked assiduously to put the State’s education sector on the right footing with a view to raising a generation of young Ekiti people who have the right skills and mindset to accelerate sustainable development development in the state.
While lamenting the impairment of moral compass of young people, the Governor said it is worrisome that the State’s famed love for knowledge has been eroded as youths now embrace short- termism as watchword.
Fayemi who had earlier attended a programme commemorating the 50th anniversary of the death of foremost indigenous novelist, Daniel Fagunwa in Akure, urged the young generation to take a cue from the deep conviction and sense of purpose of Fagunwa who after dying 50 years ago still evoke great passion and commitment to his ideals by countless people many of whom never met him alive.
Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the six scholars, Banke Olabintan Said it was a great privilege for them to be the first set of beneficiaries of the funding support from the Governor . She promised that they would study and make Ekiti state proud by being the best among equals.
Last modified: August 8, 2013