Group rewards UNILORIN best graduating students
By Isaac Lewu
A group of three Ilorin-based entrepreneurs have rewarded the 2026 best graduating student of the University of Ilorin, Mr Francis Joseph Olusegun, with the sum of $1,000 while the best graduating student of the College of Health Sciences, Salamatu Shuaib, was rewarded with the sum of $500. The trio consists of Mr Joshua Ibitoye, Mr Ademola Abogun and Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde.
The cash award were presented to the duo penultimate Saturday(October 31, 2026) at the M&S Luxury Hotel, Ilorin.
Speaking at the event, Mr Abogun said it was time high time society began to celebrate individuals who distinguish themselves through good character, academic excellence, diligence and commitment to their educational pursuits.
He explained that the initiative was designed to encourage young people to take their education seriously and demonstrate that hard work and outstanding achievements deserve recognition and reward. He added that celebrating exceptional students would inspire others to strive for excellence rather than settle for mediocrity.
Responding, the best graduating student, Francis Joseph Olusegun, expressed profound appreciation to the three entrepreneurs for identifying and rewarding his academic achievement. He described the gesture as an encouraging initiative that would motivate him to pursue greater accomplishments in his academic and professional journey.
Mr Olusegun attributed his perfect 5.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) to discipline, consistency, perseverance and a personalised study strategy. He explained that his determination to graduate with outstanding results began in 2020, after becoming curious about students who achieved exceptional academic records. Inspired by his first-year roommates, he made the pursuit of a perfect CGPA a personal goal.
He further explained that he achieved a 5.0 CGPA in his first semester and sustained the performance throughout his undergraduate studies. According to him, understanding his strengths, setting clear goals, developing an effective reading pattern and remaining committed to his ambitions were essential to his success. He encouraged students to discover study methods that work for them and remain consistent in applying them.
Similarly, the best graduating student of the College of Health Sciences, Salamatu Shuaibu, expressed gratitude to the donors for the financial reward and recognition, describing the initiative as a thoughtful way of encouraging students who have distinguished themselves academically. She commended the entrepreneurs for investing in the future of young people and creating an avenue to celebrate excellence.
She attributed her academic success to consistency, discipline and understanding what worked best for her. According to her, making reading a habit, starting early and developing a study pattern that suited her learning style helped her maintain excellent academic performance. She also explained that having a positive attitude towards education made a significant difference in her journey.
Shuaibu added that studying a course she genuinely loved made learning enjoyable rather than burdensome. She noted that she was motivated not merely by the desire to pass examinations but by the opportunity to acquire knowledge, grow and become a better person. She expressed hope that the initiative would continue to inspire students to pursue academic excellence.
