An alumnus of the Abiodun Atiba Memorial Institute in Oyo, Mr. Babatunde Tijani, has donated N1 million to reward outstanding graduating students and teachers. The gesture aims to give back to his alma mater and promote academic excellence, diligence, and character development among the youth.
Tijani announced the cash gifts during the school’s 45th valedictory service, where he was the special guest of honour. The donation features N200,000 each for the top graduating students in Science, Arts, and Commerce, plus an additional N200,000 for the overall best graduating student. He also gifted N200,000 to the school faculty for refreshments in appreciation of their dedication.
Represented at the event by his sister, Ms. Omobola Tijani, the donor noted that the gesture honors the legacy of their late father, Alhaji (Chief) Abdul Lateef Eyitayo Tijani, who served as the school’s vice principal from 1981 to 1988.
“My father was an educationist par excellence who believed in discipline, character, and academic excellence,” Ms. Tijani stated. “My brother is filled with gratitude because 37 years ago, he walked through the gates of this same institute as a student. The foundation and values he received here have been instrumental in his journey through life.”
In his message to the departing students, Tijani urged them to stay resilient and protect their integrity. “Your certificate is important, but your character will take you further. Chase your dreams with courage, integrity, and faith,” he added, while also praising the parents and school management for their sacrifices.
Earlier in his welcome address, the school principal, Mr. Rasak Reheem, commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for implementing worker-friendly policies and fostering a conducive academic environment. He challenged the graduates to see their secondary education as a stepping stone, urging them to shun social vices like cybercrime, drug abuse, and alcoholism.
Reheem highly commended Tijani for his long-standing financial commitments to the school. He revealed that the alumnus had previously executed multimillion-naira interventions, including renovating a six-classroom block, providing 240 modern desks and chairs, drilling a modern borehole, repairing the school mosque, and sponsoring the annual inter-house sports competition.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of the cash prizes. Philip Abimbola emerged as both the overall best graduating student and the top Science student, taking home a total of N400,000. Khadijat Abdulwahab (best Commerce student) and Rodiat Isiaka (best Arts student) received N200,000 each. Speaking for the recipients, Abimbola thanked the donor and school management for the immense encourage
