OSOPADEC Chairman, Sam Erejuwa has reiterated that his administration will continue to encourage and reward hardwork, excellence and good manner, as against cultism, militancy and other anti-social vices.

Erejuwa disclosed this on Friday, 29th September, when he received in his office Mr. Saheyi Sehinde Happiness who made First Class Degree in his course of study.

With a CGPA of 4.80, the Ilaje-born student emerged as the Best Graduating Student of his Department – Metallurgical & Material Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

The Commission’s Chairman, expressed his admiration on Saheyi’s brilliant performance, assuring that his administration will not relent in its determination to improve the quality of education in the mandate areas, support students, encourage hardwork and celebrate excellent academic performances.

In his words: “We are doing this today to commend and celebrate Saheyi who has done us proud. We believe this will serve as motivation for the younger ones that there is dignity in hardwork”.

Erejuwa said: “We commend you for not engaging in cultism, gangsterism and other negative behaviors, but for facing your academics diligently, for knowing the son of whom you are, and for being a good ambassador of Ilajeland. The Commission is proud of you, and have no doubt you will continue to shine wherever you find yourself.

Addressing the students in attendance, Erejuwa assured that his administration will sustain the gesture of celebrating and rewarding excellence.

“We are not doing this because we have abundant financial capacity. In fact, the gift is not something much. I wish I could reward students who made First Class in their academics with bigger rewards (like presenting them cars and houses). But we are doing this little within our financial capacity and with great passion. We will continue to support you, encourage you to pursue your dreams, make you successful and be good role models to your younger ones”.

Responding, Saheyi appreciate God for seeing him through the academic rigour. He equally thanked the Commission under the leadership of Sam Erejuwa for the initiative of celebrating students who distinguished themselves in their academic pursuits. This he said will serve as inspiration to other students and the younger ones to study hard.

Narrating his experiences during the academic years, Saheyi said: “I never knew I could make a First Class Degree. Coming from a struggling background, it was a resolution that I must go to school. Sponsoring myself, going home occasionally to engage in menial jobs and traveling back to school atimes very late at night to meet up with lectures was indeed very tedious. However, l resolved to study hard and get good results.

“At the end of my first semester, I made a GP of 4.89. In my second year (200Level), I applied for, and got a scholarship from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). This was a great encouragement; making me to be more determined and focussed.

“Whenever Exams are approaching, I do away with unionism and other activities that might cause distractions and face my academics as to make myself and my parents happy and proud”.

Also speaking, the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Victor Koledoye appreciated the Chairman for the noble and novel idea of rewarding diligence and hardwork. Koledoye who showered encomiums on Mr. Saheyi on his academic gallantry corroborated the Chairman, saying that the Commission will continue to motivate students to study hard.

According to Koledoye, scholarships would be given to those who aspire to further their Degrees within the country. Koledoye charged students from the mandate areas to emulate the story of Mr. Sahheyi so as to achieve greater successes and consequently be celebrated.

“I am happy today for many reasons, especially as our dear Chairman is making the Commission reward hardwork and excellence. It gladdens my heart that the Chairman is also talking about sponsorship for First Class students who intend to proceed for their Masters Degree in Nigeria. We will surely work that out. Hopefully, we might have the capacity to extend this to those studying abroad in the future.

“In particular, I am happy and proud of Saheyi. I have listened to him speaks severally, and knew he is a First Class material. We are confident his First Class is not a fake one or bought. I want to congratulate him on this giant stride. He is indeed a good ambassador.

“It is equally commendable that Saheyi could combine academics with other activities, especially Student Unionism. This is therefore a pointer to the fact that being a Student Union leader shouldn’t be a reason for graduating with Second or Third Class Degrees. I have seen many Student Union leaders who made First Class.

“Again, I appreciate the Chairman for this initiative, which is not the first time. We hope you will continue to encourage our students. We also hope this will be a source of motivation to other students to aspire and be the best in their various Departments and Institutions” Koledoye said.