In a moving return to his roots, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, graced the convocation ceremony of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, on Friday, surprising the academic community with a generous donation of several millions of naira to reward hard work and innovation.
The highlights of the day belonged to the students, particularly Miss Kemisola Yusufa, a Microbiology graduate who emerged as the overall Best Graduating Student with a stellar 3.87 Grade Point Average. In recognition of her exceptional academic feat, the Ooni presented her with a life-changing cash gift of ₦6 million. The monarch’s generosity extended across the entire institution, as the top graduating students from each of the six faculties were also rewarded with ₦1.5 million each.
Education and innovation among the staff were not left out. According to reports, two lecturers were honored with the Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Award for Innovation and Technology, receiving ₦2 million each for their contributions to the school’s technical advancement.
For the Ooni, the visit was more than a royal appearance; it was a deeply personal homecoming. Addressing the crowd, the monarch revealed that his journey to the throne and his success in life began within the walls of the polytechnic. He shared that he graduated from the Accountancy Department over thirty years ago, a revelation that sparked loud cheers from the students and faculty alike.
Reflecting on his time as a student, Oba Ogunwusi spoke fondly of his days living in Unity Hall and Ramat Hall. He told the graduating class that during those years of study, he never could have imagined the path God had laid out for him. He urged the new graduates to remain focused and diligent, noting that the same foundation they have received today was what propelled him to become the Ooni of Ife.
The monarch closed by commending the management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, for maintaining the high standards of discipline and quality education that the school has been known for since his time. He noted that seeing the school continue to thrive three decades after his departure was a source of immense joy and pride.
