An alumnus of Abiodun Atiba Memorial Institute, Oyo, Babatunde Tijani, has donated N1 million to reward outstanding graduating students and appreciate teachers, reaffirming his commitment to promoting academic excellence and supporting his former school.
Tijani announced the donation during the school’s 45th valedictory service, where he was honoured as the special guest of honour.
The donation includes cash prizes of N200,000 each for the best graduating students in Science, Arts and Commerce, another N200,000 for the overall best graduating student, and N200,000 for members of the school’s staff to support refreshments in recognition of their dedication.
Represented at the event by his sister, Ms. Omobola Tijani, the philanthropist described the gesture as a token of gratitude to the institution that shaped his future and a means of encouraging diligence and academic excellence among students.
She explained that the family’s longstanding connection with the school inspired the donation, recalling that their late father, Alhaji (Chief) Abdul Lateef Eyitayo Tijani, served as the institution’s vice principal between 1981 and 1988.
According to her, the late educationist was renowned for his commitment to discipline, character building and academic excellence, values that continue to influence the family’s support for education.
She also noted that Babatunde Tijani graduated from the school 37 years ago and remains grateful for the knowledge, values and training he received during his time there.
Addressing the graduating students, Tijani encouraged them to remain focused despite life’s challenges and to build their future on integrity, discipline and hard work.
He urged them to remember that while academic certificates are important, good character remains the foundation for lasting success.
“The world needs young men and women who are not only educated but also disciplined, diligent and God-fearing,” he said, while congratulating the graduating students on completing an important phase of their educational journey.
Tijani also commended parents, guardians, teachers and the school’s management for their sacrifices and commitment to nurturing the students, describing educators as key contributors to producing future leaders.
Earlier, the Principal of Abiodun Atiba Memorial Institute, Rasak Reheem, expressed appreciation to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for creating a conducive environment for teaching and implementing policies that have improved workers’ welfare.
He advised the graduating students to regard their secondary education as a stepping stone to greater accomplishments, urging them to pursue higher education with determination and resilience.
Reheem also cautioned them against social vices, including drug abuse, cybercrime, prostitution and alcoholism, stressing the need to uphold the values of the institution wherever they find themselves.
The principal praised Tijani for his sustained contributions to the school’s development, noting that the alumnus had previously funded several multimillion-naira projects.
According to him, the projects include the renovation of a six-classroom block, donation of 240 modern desks and chairs, installation of a modern borehole, renovation of the school mosque and the annual sponsorship of the TJ BABS House during the school’s inter-house sports competition.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the overall best graduating student and best science student, Philip Abimbola, expressed appreciation for the generous gesture and thanked the school’s management for providing an environment that encouraged academic excellence.
During the award presentation, Abimbola received a total of N400,000 after emerging as both the overall best graduating student and the best science student. Khadijat Abdulwahab, who emerged as the best Commerce student, received N200,000, while the best Arts student, Rodiat Isiaka, was also presented with N200,000.
