FUOYE 7th Convocation: Olanipekun Gets Visiting Professor Status, Bags Honorary Award

……… Donates N10 Million To 20 Best Law Graduands For Their Law School Expenses 

By Olanrewaju Falayi, Emmanuel Adeoye 

Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, has gotten a Visiting Professor of Legal Practice status and also bagged an Award of honorary doctorates in Constitutional Law of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) just as he has donated a sum whopping sum of N10 million to 20 Best Law Graduands of the Institution for their Law School expenses. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Wole Olanipekun commended the Management of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) for not placing priority on money in the awards of honorary degrees, adding that the Country was battling to entrench the culture of good character that would help in the rebranding efforts of the Federal Government.

Olanipekun, further stated that he was particularly elated by the quality of people being conferred with honours in FUOYE, describing them as Nigerians with impeccable characters.

“That this is coming at a time when most other Nigerian Universities have completely bastardized such awards, offering it to the highest bidders, makes it more commendable”.

“FUOYE chose to follow the path of honour. I congratulate you for this lofty height and call on Nigerian Universities to emulate this inspiring story”, he said.

In his speech, Chief Olanipekun said his vision is to transform FUOYE into a model across Africa, as a University whose graduates are of quality and can compete anywhere across the globe.

Meanwhile, announcing the new appointment of Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, as a Visiting Professor, on the occasion of the 7th Convocation ceremony of the Institution, the Vice-Chancellor of the Institution, Professor Abayomi Fasina, revealed that the decision will afford the students to benefit from the wealth of experience of the renowned Lawyer.

He explained that Olanipekun who is currently the Chairman, Body of Benchers in the Country has contributed in no small measure to humanity and national development.

The elated Olanipekun thanked the University management for the honour accorded him, as he promised to commence immediate interactions with the Law Students of FUOYE as soon as possible.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also used the occasion to announce a N10 million donation to the first 20 best graduating students in the Law Faculty.

“So, Mr. Vice Chancellor, I, for the best 20 Law Graduating Students of today, our office will give them Assistance, each of them in the sum of N500,000 for their Law School”.

“And the cheque will be made available. I don’t give a promissory note. It will be made available next week.”

The VC, in his speech, further disclosed that the institution, within the shortest time of creation, has carved a niche for itself on international grid of academic excellence.

While congratulating the graduands on the academic feats, Fasina admonished them to positively project the image of the institution.

Wole Olanipekun in his appreciation, thanked the Institution’s Senate for the recognition.

“We are very appreciative of these honours done to us today by the Senate of this Institution. As for me, I am overwhelmed”, he declared.

Meanwhile, Olanipekun urged the elites to shun unnecessary envy and to always appreciate honest donation and support from individuals like him to the society in order not to discourage them.

He also admonished the academia to deploy their God’s giving knowledge in profitable ventures rather than indulging in nocuous activities, while revealing that his donations to individuals, church as well as community were not intended for any personal rewards.

Other awardees at the event were the former Managing Director of First Bank, Bisi Onasanya and former Super Eagles Captain, Segun Odegbami.

Onasanya also announced a two million Naira donation to the best graduating students in Accounting.