Graceland Foundation for Human Development, a Non-Governmental Organization based in the United States of America, has given scholarships of 75,000 each to two students of the Federal University of Technology Akure.
Speaking at the presentation, the Executive Director, Dr. Oluwole Akinnagbe said "The foundation has the vision of assisting individuals from Nigeria especially from Ondo State wishing to pursue educational, vocational and business excellence in all areas of human endeavours".
He said this was the first time the foundation was giving scholarships to university undergraduates having previously been a benefactor to secondary school students.
He said the competition for the scholarship was keenly competed for and the winners were chosen after a rigorous selection process.
Akinnagbe said the aim of giving scholarships was to alleviate the challenges faced by the students during their academic pursuits. He urged the students to judiciously the funds for what it is meant for.
On his part the Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Professor Timothy Amos commended the foundation for the gesture adding that the times call for generous donations in order to aid students to excel academically with minimal financial burdens. She urged lecturers to serve as mentors and role models to the students as this will motivate them to go above and beyond their limitations.
Relatedly the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor David Oke expressed his elation at the donation. He said it was a magnanimous gesture and that since the hike in fees paid by university students, donors have repeatedly offered aids for student welfare. The Dean urged the students to appreciate the donation by putting more effort in their studies.
The beneficiaries Adebola Adewale of the Statistics Department and Olaselebo Oluwatosin of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department gave their sincere gratitude for the gesture by the donors and promised to put the scholarship to good use and also strive for excellence in their academic pursuits.
