OOU Vice-Chancellor Champions Cultural Revival in Nigerian Universities
The Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ago Iwoye, Professor Ayodeji Agboola, has issued a compelling call for the revitalization of indigenous culture within the nation's higher education institutions. Speaking in anticipation of the university's 35th convocation ceremony, Prof. Agboola expressed deep concern that cultural values are facing extinction due to the pervasive influence of modernization and technological innovations.
Addressing Cultural Erosion and Academic Priorities
Prof. Agboola, a distinguished professor of cancer pathology, emphasized that the erosion of cultural heritage is a critical issue that demands immediate attention. He proposed that the federal government should urgently support the establishment of religious houses on university campuses. This initiative, he argued, would enable students to simultaneously embrace cultural values and religious principles, fostering a more holistic educational environment.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted that OOU places a strong emphasis on integrating cultural values, traditional attire, and character development alongside rigorous academic pursuits. To overcome financial challenges, the university actively engages in strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, ensuring that its educational mission remains robust and sustainable.
NELFUND's Transformative Impact on Student Retention
Prof. Agboola praised the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for its significant role in transforming the financial landscape for students. He noted that prior to NELFUND's intervention, the university typically witnessed between 3,000 and 4,000 students applying for leave of absence each year due to financial constraints. However, with the advent of NELFUND, this trend has dramatically shifted.
"For now, I've not seen anybody apply for a leave of absence," Prof. Agboola stated. "Previously, we usually had between 3,000 and 4,000 students applying for leave of absence each year. But with the advent of NELFUND, at least as of today, I have not seen any student apply for leave of absence due to financial incapacity, and the window closes tomorrow. So NELFUND is actually doing well."
Academic Achievements and NELFUND Support Statistics
During the 2024/2025 academic session, OOU celebrated notable academic successes. A total of 147 graduates earned First Class degrees, while 2,051 achieved Second Class Upper Division and 2,927 attained Second Class Lower Division. The overall best graduating student was Ajayi David Bamidele from the Department of Civil Engineering, who achieved an impressive CGPA of 4.89.
Prof. Agboola provided detailed figures on NELFUND's support, revealing that 5,613 students have already received payments for this session alone. An additional 1,270 applications have been processed and submitted for approval. Once these are finalized, the total number of supported students will reach 6,883 for the current academic session.
"For now, I've not seen any student applying for leave of absence due to financial incapacity. So NELFUND is performing very well," he reiterated, underscoring the program's effectiveness in alleviating financial burdens.
Global Recognition and Future Outlook
Prof. Agboola affirmed that Olabisi Onabanjo University continues to ascend in global rankings, driven by its commitment to academic excellence and impactful research. The institution has recorded numerous breakthroughs, particularly in contributing to the advancement of tertiary education in Nigeria. This progress, combined with initiatives like cultural revival and robust student support systems, positions OOU as a leading force in the nation's educational landscape.
