By Wole Balogun
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) continues to celebrate the excellence of the finalists from its prestigious One-Day Vice-Chancellor (VC) Programme, as individuals and organisations step forward with generous rewards in recognition of their outstanding achievements.
Although the event has concluded, its impact continues to resonate across the FUOYE community and beyond. Stakeholders from various sectors have reached out to honour the finalists whose performances stood out during the programme.
On Thursday, 22nd May 2025, during FUOYE’s Innovation Week at the Ikole Campus, two exceptional finalists were awarded cash prizes totalling ₦250,000. Miss Ojomo Jesubanke, the Second Runner-up, received ₦100,000 in recognition of her remarkable communication skills.
Earlier, she had accompanied Professor Adebola Aderibigbe, Director of the Directorate of Career Services and Coordinator of the One-Day Vice-Chancellor programme, to an event organised by the Directorate of Entrepreneurship, led by Dr. Adebimpe. During the event, although Professor Aderibigbe was invited to speak, he graciously introduced Miss Ojomo and yielded the floor to her to contribute to the speech. Her eloquent speech captured the attention of the donor, who later presented her with the award.
Similarly, Miss Adebimpe Hamdala, the First Runner-up, was honoured by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Employment, Wealth Creation, and Youth Empowerment, Hon. Otunba Kayode Fasae. Moved by her impressive performance, the Commissioner presented her with a cheque of ₦150,000 as a token of encouragement and appreciation.
Further support came from the Director-General of Community Engagement, Ekiti State Government, who engaged the finalists in a Q\&A session focused on community service. After the session, the Director-General hosted them to a reception and presented a cash gift to the overall winner of the programme.
In another act of generosity, Mr. Awoniyi Oluwasegun David, Managing Director of Noorah Hotels & Suites, Ayede, contributed ₦100,000 towards the welfare of the finalists. The students had been hosted at the hotel, which was designated as the Vice-Chancellor’s residence during the programme.
Adding an academic touch to the gesture of support, Professor Sunday Adedini, a Professor of Demography and Social Statistics and Director of the Directorate of Strategic Partnerships, Linkages and Collaborations, presented books to the finalists.
The One-Day Vice-Chancellor initiative, conceived by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, has proven to be more than a symbolic exercise in student leadership. It has become a powerful platform for youth empowerment, fostering leadership, innovation, and academic excellence. The sustained goodwill from stakeholders affirms the programme’s relevance and far-reaching impact.
