The Vice Chancellor (VC), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Folasade Ogunsola, has charged students to work hard in their academic pursuit as this would help them in the future.
She said without hard work, it would be difficult for them to achieve their dreams of becoming graduates in their various disciplines of study, adding that “education is still the key to success.”
The VC made this known, on Thursday, at the Professor Mike Adebamowo Foundation (PMAF), Inaugural Sponsorship Award Ceremony held at UNILAG, where the foundation empowered 16 best students of the institution.
She prayed for the brilliant students who received cash empowerment. “I pray for you as you have received financial support to enable you continue your education. May God bless your efforts, protect, provide for you. May God give you good health and prosper you throughout your lifetime. May you never stop working hard because becoming best students it is as a result of hard work therefore I encourage you to do more. May God give you hearts to give back to the society after your graduations and beyond”
The 16 students studying medicine were given N500,000 and they would be receiving the same amount every year until they complete their study. Those in other disciplines collected N350,000 and would be receiving the same amount until they graduate. The foundation in collaboration with Management of University of Lagos would provide job opportunities for them after their graduations.
The Founder of the Foundation, Prof. Mike Adebamowo, said PMAF was birthed from the abundant grace of God that has guided his life’s journey, particularly in the realm of education.
He explained that it was a life-long commitment to serve humanity by supporting indigent university students across Nigeria, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their academic aspirations.
Adebamowo noted the foundation was Launched on May 8, 2024 during his 60th birthday celebration, PMAF is a Sixty Million Naira (₦60,000,000) endowment fund with a clear vision: to empower indigent students to complete their university education. “Our mission is to ensure no deserving student drops out due to financial challenges. Open to all indigent university students in Nigeria, PMAF is dedicated to making a positive impact through financial support”.
He said the objectives of the foundation is to provide financial support to indigent students in Nigerian universities, to continuously monitor and evaluate the progress of beneficiaries. Connect beneficiaries to job-related ecosystems for career opportunities. Mentor and guide beneficiaries to perpetuate a cycle of support and societal impact. Establish initiatives to provide additional forms of support to the less privileged.To ensure sustainability, PMAF will systematically evaluate the impact of its support, keeping both the foundation and its beneficiaries on track to achieve their goals.
Adebamowo said the initiative is deeply personal to him. As a student at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State from 1981 to 1988, he earned degrees in Architecture. “In my first year, I achieved a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.0, which earned me prestigious accolades, including the National Merit Award for Students, the Federal Government Scholarship Award, and the University of Ife Undergraduate Scholarship Award. During my master’s programme, I was honored with the OAU Postgraduate Fellowship Award and served as a Graduate Assistant in 1987. These opportunities alleviated financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies, while my late mother, Rachael Funmilayo Segun, a humble primary school headmistress of blessed memory, was greatly relieved”.
He said through PMAF, he is giving back to society in her honor and for all mothers struggling to educate their children.
“PMAF invites organizations, friends, and well-wishers to join this mission of building Nigeria’s human capital through kind donations and grants. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who generously contributed to the Foundation during my 60th birthday celebration. Today, we celebrate the beginning of this journey with 16 deserving students from the University of Lagos, representing various disciplines”.
He said PMAF is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and is governed by Board of Trustees. “While PMAF is open to students across all Nigerian universities, we are proud to begin this journey with the University of Lagos, awarding sponsorship to 16 eligible students today”.
