The Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has called on Nigerian youths and students not to see excellence in academic performance and better life accomplishment as mysterious but a result of determination and deep commitment.
Aregbesola stated this while receiving the 2015 best graduating student of the University of Ibadan, Dr. Sodiq Olayinka, at the Government House in Osogbo.
Olayinka, who emerged the best student at the University of Ibadan having clinched all the Departmental and Faculty awards and prices before emerging the overall best student, was accompanied by the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi.
Olayinka, a graduate of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, hails from Iragbiji in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State.
The 23-year-old set a new record of eight distinctions, a feat that has never been achieved in the 67 years existence of the University of Ibadan.
Aregbesola described Olayinka as a shinning and worthy example of a role model for any serious minded student anywhere in the world.
He said: “You are a brand new academic giant and setting a record in the life of the existence of the University of Ibadan, eight distinctions is an indication that nothing is impossible for a determined personality.
“Dr. Sodiq Olayinka Olamide’s rare feat is by all intent an inspiration to all students in Iragbiji his home town, State of Osun and Nigeria, as well as an encouragement to people who are desirous of emulating your new record.”
Aregbesola noted that the emergence of the 2015 best graduating student has proved to the whole world that distinctions, success and academic excellence are not limited to a place or environment.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, said the feat of Olayinka is an example of what a disciplined child should be.
Oyetola, who is also from Iragbiji, said: “Your recognition and feat of the 2015 best graduating student of the University of Ibadan came at a time when some students have gone astray at tender age, some disgracefully impregnated, putting a stop to their academic pursuit.
“I congratulate you.”
In his remarks, Oba Olabomi applauded the progressive steps of Governor Aregbesola in all sectors, assuring him that posterity will place him on the positive side of history.
The honoree, who expressed appreciation to the governor for receiving him and for the honour, assured him of his readiness to contribute his own quota to the development of Osun State.
He encouraged his colleagues that with determination, prayers and fear of God, the sky is the beginning for serious minded people.