The best graduating student of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State, Stephen Emeomi-Magi, has been rewarded with N500,000 by the Ahoanaruogho family of Benin City, Edo State.

OAUSTECH’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Okitipupa.

He said that the award was tagged: ‘Mrs Josephine Ajua Ahonaruogho Prize Money for Best Graduating Student.’

Emeomi-Magi, from the Department of Electrical/Electronics, emerged the best graduating student for the 2023/2024 session during the institution’s convocation held on March 4.

Of the 995 graduating students, 31 bagged First Class, 367 Second Class Upper Division, 495 Second Class Lower Division while 102 were in the Third Class category.

Mr Ologunorisa said that the scholarship was announced by Dr Richard Oma-Ahonaruogho, SAN, through a correspondence to the institution.

“It is hoped that the award will further stimulate academic excellence and produce graduates that will lead Nigeria in her quest for excellence and true greatness,” Oma-Ahonaruogho stated in the letter.

The institution’s Registrar, Abiodun Okunniga, also congratulated the awardee, saying that his outstanding academic performance, dedication and commitment to excellence earned him the prestigious award and recognition.

Appreciating the Ahonaruogho family for the award, Mr Okunniga said that management believed that their investment in OAUSTECH students would have lasting impacts on their lives and the development of Nigeria.

“Emeomi-Magi’s achievement is a testament to hard work and perseverance. We are proud to recognise his accomplishment and once again, we thank the Ahoanaruogho family for their support and partnership,” Mr Okuniga said.

In his reaction, the awardee, Emeomi-Magi, said he was shocked when the institution’s management broke the news that he emerged as the best graduating student.

He also said that he was overwhelmed by the award, thanking God, the institution’s management and the Ahonaruogho family for recognising his hard work and dedication to studies.

(NAN)