The Deputy Senate Minority Leader, Senator Olalere Oyewumi, PhD, representing Osun West Senatorial District, on Wednesday awarded a cash grant and full scholarship to the best graduating student from the College of Education at Osun State University (UNIOSUN) during the institution’s 2024 Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) induction ceremony.
Afolabi Celestina Aderonke, the recipient of the prestigious award, graduated with a CGPA of 4.45 in English Education, distinguishing herself among the 199 graduates from the college in the 2023/2024 academic session. With a matriculation number of 2020/30484, Afolabi’s academic excellence earned her the Senator’s scholarship offer, which extends to the PhD level.
In a speech titled *”Education: The Bedrock of Life,”* Senator Oyewumi, who is also a passionate educationist, congratulated Afolabi for making her family and institution proud. He also commended all the graduating students, urging them to remain dedicated to their chosen paths. He emphasized that education is one of life’s most valuable assets, describing it as the “bedrock and greatest tool to achieve success and greatness.” Citing scripture, he reminded the graduands that “a man’s gift will make a way for him, and diligence will bring one before kings and not mean men.”
The Senator, represented at the event by his aide, Dr. Olayanju Aderele, was flanked by Omo-Oba Popoola Timilehin during the presentation of the award. This gesture, he noted, reaffirms his deep commitment to promoting quality education and encouraging academic excellence in Osun State and beyond.
The award and scholarship reflect Senator Oyewumi’s vision of investing in education as a means to empower the younger generation, fostering their development as leaders of tomorrow.