The duo of Professor Gbenga Fasanu and Dr. Olumuyiwa Adedeji, alumni of United Secondary School, Idi-Obi, Agugu, Ibadan have recognized and rewarded outstanding teachers and students of the school at the 2024 Annual Prize Giving Day.
The event which took place on Tuesday, at the school premises witnessed an atmosphere laced with academic excellence and reward for dedication, commitment and mastery of subject for outstanding teachers.
The Principal of the School (Junior), Mr. Abidemi Akintayo, in his welcome address said he was delighted by the commitment of old students to give back to their alma mater aimed at building and propelling current students for greatness.
Mr. Akintayo expressed his joy to the sponsors of the event, saying he was overwhelmed when Dr. Olumuyiwa Adedeji and Professor Gbenga Fasanu extended the award to the best student in each subject apart from overall three best students from JSS 1 to JSS 3. Mr. Akintayo commended the job well executed by the Organizing Committee headed by Mrs. Fadeyibi who strived to ensure that the selection process of the best among students was devoid of bias or any form of manipulation. Mr. Akintayo described Professor Gbenga Fasanu and Dr. Olumuyiwa Adedji as worthy alumni, and philanthropists with large hearts.
Mr. Kazeem Raheem delivered the opening remarks on behalf of Dr. Olumuyiwa Adedeji and Prof. Gbenga Fasanu. The speech titled; ‘’It Takes A Community to Raise A Child’’. The sponsors of the programme stated in the lecture that the main reason behind their decision to have the 2024 Annual Prize Giving Day is to bring out the very best in students and teachers.
‘’This gesture is expected to give room to healthy academic competition among these teeming children. It is our vision that the students of our alma mater should be able to compete locally, nationally and internationally. The uniqueness of our program today is the emphasis on recognizing a few teachers for their students’ great academic performance.
‘’We would like to offer a word of encouragement to the current students to focus on the value of hard work. There is no shortcut to real and enduring success. We encourage our students to work hard, believe in themselves and be careful of those they associate with or those they call their friends’’.
A lecturer at the University of Ibadan and an alumna of the school, Dr Tolulope Gbadamosi, presented a paper on how students can overcome obstacles on their path to success. She called for consistency of excellent performance among awardees most especially JSS 1 and JSS 2 students. Dr. Gbadamosi urged the parents to keep supporting the students on their path to success. The speaker, who is also a member of the 1992 set of the school, called on students to be determined, creative and imbibe the culture of giving back to society when they grow up.
The grand finale of the event saw 26 students being recognized in the Junior Secondary School. A total number of 18 students with a minimum of 5 Credit passes including English and Mathematics in the 2024 National Examination Council (NECO) received the award. Fourteen senior secondary school students (including 4 old students) received awards and recognition for their outstanding performances.
In his closing remarks, the president of USSA Old Students Association, Comrade Taiwo Salawu appreciated the sponsors. He admonished the students to utilize available opportunities, face their academic and shun immoral acts and all forms of social vices.
The Chairperson, Organizing Committee, Mrs Fadeyibi in her vote of thanks appreciated the sponsors for always giving back to their alma mater. She acknowledged the role of other members of the committee who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the program.
