The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, on Friday, 19 December 2025, awarded millions of naira to outstanding students and lecturers during the convocation ceremony of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The revered monarch, who is also the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), rewarded the institution’s overall Best Graduating Student, Miss Kemisola Yusufa, a Microbiology graduate with a Grade Point Average of 3.87, with a cash prize of ₦6 million.
Six other best graduating students, drawn from the polytechnic’s six faculties, received ₦1.5 million each in recognition of their exceptional academic performance.
In addition, two lecturers emerged winners of the Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Award for Innovation and Technology. They were presented with ₦2 million each.
While speaking at the event, Ooni Ogunwusi described The Polytechnic, Ibadan as the foundation of his personal growth and professional success, revealing that he graduated from the institution over 30 years ago as a student of the Accountancy Department.
The Royal father commended the management of the institution for sustaining its legacy of academic excellence and quality education, adding that the standards he experienced as a student have been preserved over the years.
“This citadel of learning remains my foundation in life. I left this great school 30 years ago as an accountancy student, and it is a thing of joy to reconnect with my foundation today,” the Ooni said.
Reflecting on his days as a student, he recalled residing at Unity Hall and Ramat Hall, saying that he never imagined what the future held for him at the time.
“Many years ago, I was simply navigating my studentship without knowing what lay ahead. Today, I stand here as the Ooni of Ife, to the glory of God,” he added.
The convocation ceremony attracted dignitaries from across the education sector and was marked by celebrations of academic excellence and innovation.
The event underscored the Ooni’s continued commitment to promoting education, rewarding excellence, and encouraging innovation among students and educators in Nigeria.
