Osun Unified Uniform Colour Goes to Abuja Before it Fades Out: Receives Presidential Award

When the estwhile governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola started the Osun Education Reform, many were of the opinion that it was a white elephant project that will not produce results. But today, it is a success story told at Abuja Eagles Square where Master Akitade Abdulahi Akanbi, a student of Osogbo Grammar School gained a federal scholarship up to PhD level for emerging the overall best Young Nigerian Scientist of the year at the 2020 Science, Technology and Innovation Expo.

It was indeed a glorious day to see Abdulahi Akanbi donned in Osun unified uniform of the defunct High Schools stepped out to a loud ovation from invited guests to receive the award and it was a great pleasure of President Muhammadou Buhari to grant full scholarships up to PhD level to three secondary students who emerged winners at the Young Scientists Presidential Award Competition. The trio are Akintade Abdulahi Akanbi, Uwakwe Kamsiyochukwu, and Aimofumhe Sigmus.

Abdullahi achieved the feat having won the 1st position in the National Examination of the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award, organised by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.

Governor Gboyega Oyetola who was Guest of Honour at the event said he was elated and proud that a son of the State of Osun emerged the Overall Best Young Nigeria Scientist of the year, noting that the feat was a testament to the quality of the public school system in the State.

Governor Oyetola, who personally congratulated the winner and his parents, expressed his appreciation to President Buhari while fielding questions from journalists shortly after the presentation of the Presidential Awards to the young Abdullahi and two others on Monday at the Eagle Square.

The emergence of Akintade Abdulahi Akanbi from a humble background and a product of of Osun public school system, Osogbo Grammar School, is a testament to the quality of the public school system of the State of Osun.

He lauded the President "for putting measures in place to build the capacity of the youth through education as a way of preparing them for their role as the leaders of tomorrow."
He also commended the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology for instituting the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award to develop the interest of young Nigerians in the sciences through competitive examinations.

According to him, this will enable Nigerian youths to compete internationally and become renowned laureates in the sciences.

"This award is a lesson to our youths that their background cannot and should not be a hindrance to their success in life. It is also a lesson that there is hope for the nation’s public school system if we muster the political will to make it qualitative and productive.
"For us in Osun, education is the bedrock and the driver of our Development Agenda. We are committed to providing adequate, qualitative, equitable and functional education for our children. Oyetola said.

"I am proud to say that there are many Akintades in our public schools waiting to emerge.

We shall continue to expose them to opportunities and offer them same so that our aim of using education as the driver of sustainable development would be attained," Oyetola added.