Ooni signs scholarship agreement with Oxford University, honoured in Birmingham

As part of his activities in the United Kingdom, the Arole Oodua and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has signed a Scholarship Memorandum Of Understanding with the University of Oxford to enable him assist students in the study of African studies.
Ooni Ogunwusi, who was hosted by the University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr. Robert Easton, on November 27, 2017, signed the scholarship agreement in partnership with the University’s African Studies Centre.
He described it is a dream come true.
Presenting the spiritual leader of Yoruba race worldwide to the Oxford University management team, led by the Pro-Vice Chancellor, the Director of African Studies Centre, Prof. Wale Adebanwi, said the scholarship is for the Postgraduate students in Africa studies.
Adebanwi declared Ooni Ogunwusi as the first African leader to be so honoured by Oxford, describing him as the messiah sent by God to revitalize the dying African culture and tradition.
Easton expressed optimism that the number of Nigerian students in Oxford will increase with the Ooni Ogunwusi/Oxford MSc Scholarship Scheme.
He commended the highly revered monarch for his pragmatic approach to ensuring a better society for Africans and mankind, saying the University is motivated by the Ooni to continue welcoming more Nigerians into the school.
He said: “We welcome a lot of Nigerians here yearly and we do give the unequaled qualitative education preparing them for leadership in the global society, both in public and private sectors.
“Your Majesty, we have about 60 Nigerian students here, which is still very low compared to South Africa’s 150 students.
“I am sure this your scholarship partnership with us will surely help in increasing the number of the students from Nigeria yearly.”
Ogunwusi thanked the Oxford University for the appointment of Adebanwi, a Nigerian from Osun State, as the first African to head the African Studies Centre of the prestigious University.
He called Adebanwi his good subject and a great son of Africa, who is worthy of the position, saying Africans should tell the African stories.
He said: “Seeing Prof. Adebanwi today in good spirit of origination makes me very proud as his father because this is the first time a black man would be serving in this capacity.
“For this, I heartily thank the authorities of this school.
“Africa must become a place of pride and we must join hands to make it happen.
“There was nothing like Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, South Africa before.
“We used to be one single people of one humanity, one race and one source with several Kingdoms.
“Nobody can tell our stories.
“We are the ones to tell our stories.
“We must know where we are coming from, where we are and where we are going.
“As the Arole Oodua and Spiritual Leader of Yorubaland, I congratulate Prof. Wale Adebanwi and I am very happy to be associated with you and African Studies Centre of Oxford University.”
The Birmingham City University also had earlier on November 24, 2017 announced a plan to establish partial scholarships for Yoruba students in honour of the king, saying the University has a long and proud history with Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, Prof. Philip Plowden, who stated this during a programme organized for the king. was corroborated by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands in UK, Dr. Beverly Lindsay.
Lindsay said the turnout of the African students to welcome the Ooni to the University attests to the acceptability of continent of Africa to the great University.
She urged Ogunwusi to see the entire Commonwealth family as his constituency.
She said: “As Her Majesty the Queen’s Representative here, I am delighted to welcome you to the city of Birmingham, which is the Heart of England, with a historical vibrant religious and cultural diverse community.
“Your Majesty, nations that share a common respect for humanity can proudly call ourselves the Commonwealth of nations.
“We are bounded by history, shaped by culture and enriched by our people.
“We are optimistic to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and we hope that you will visit us during the games.”
Responding, Ooni Ogunwusi said he remains very proud of African cultural heritage and promised not to relent in showcasing to the world.
He thanked the Birmingham City University for honouring him and urged the Nigerian students, led by their President, Damilola Adebambo, to return home after their studies to contribute to the progress of the country.