OAU Celebrates Research Excellence, Honours Prof. Oladapo Afolabi as OPay Expands Scholarship Initiative to 40 Universities

          Taiwo Deborah

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has honoured outstanding contributions to research, public service, mentorship, and educational development at the 2026 Academic Research Excellence Awards held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

The event recognized eminent Nigerians and corporate partners, including Professor Oladapo Afolabi, CFR, former Head of Service of the Federation, for his distinguished contributions to academia, governance, and national development.

The ceremony, which attracted alumni, faculty members, students, and industry leaders, also featured the announcement of key initiatives, including the proposed establishment of the Oladapo Afolabi Center for Good Governance and Professional Etiquette, as well as the expansion of the OPay OP Scholars Programme to 40 universities across Nigeria.

Professor Afolabi was honoured for his exceptional capacity to execute responsibilities effectively and his commitment to national service. According to his official citation, he transitioned from academia into the federal civil service, where he served as Federal Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Labour, Agriculture, and Education before becoming the Head of Service of the Federation between 2010 and 2013.

In recognition of his contributions to the nation, he was conferred with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).

Reflecting on his journey from scientific research to public administration, Professor Afolabi described how his early academic pursuits shaped his approach to governance.

“Low and behold was a simple chemical problem, which I followed today to governance, was some of my research. Give it all it takes. Never, never give up as you acquire knowledge, I think it’s possible,” he said.

Speaking on how he wished to be remembered, he emphasized his commitment to strengthening public institutions and serving the country.

“If I were asked how I wish to be remembered, my answer will be remarkably simple: not first as a professor, not first as a civil service... but as someone who has been helped by God to strengthen public institutions, work alongside standing leaders, and serve my country at the highest level,” he stated.

The university also celebrated academic excellence, recognizing Professor Antonia, an alumnus of OAU, as the first graduate of the institution to achieve a perfect 5.00/5.00 CGPA. He became the first recipient of the OAU Award of Excellence in 2023.

Other award recipients included Professor Yusuf Oduwade, SAN, who was honoured for excellence in law and became the second OAU Awardee in 2024, as well as Alhaji Murthada Adeyemi, who was recognized for mentoring over 300 OAU students and emerged as the third OAU Awardee in 2025.

Professor Oladapo Afolabi was subsequently named the fourth OAU Awardee in 2026, having mentored 280 students, popularly referred to as the “OAU Stars.”

OPay Expands Scholarship Scheme

Corporate partner, OPay, received the Nigeria Award of Excellence for its continued support of students and commitment to educational development.

Speaking on the expansion of its scholarship initiative, an OPay representative announced that the OP Scholars Programme would extend its reach from 20 universities to 40 universities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

“This year 2026, we have expanded the scholarship initiative across Nigeria to include not just 20 universities but to touch 40 universities, capturing 36 states across the six geopolitical zones. We are expanding the OP Scholars Programme to introduce the National Innovation Challenge in partnership with a well-known technology global bank and the 3 Million Technical Talent programme under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy,” he said.

The university leadership also acknowledged the financial challenges facing Nigerian universities, noting that while institutions may possess significant strengths in other areas, funding remains a major concern.

“In terms of money, we are rich in many other things. But money-wise, we don’t have a lot,” he stated.

Strengthening Research and Leadership Development

In its commitment to advancing research and innovation, the university reaffirmed its mission of producing scholars, innovators, entrepreneurs, and future leaders through impactful teaching and research.

“Research excellence remains central to our mission. Through quality teaching and impactful research, we continue to nurture the next generation of scholars, innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Our students today are our greatest ambassadors, consistently excelling in national and international competitions,” a university representative stated.

The event also recognized Femi Olajide and Prince Kola Adeyemi for their contributions while referencing the institution’s founding in 1961 with the motto, “For Learning and Culture.”

The 2026 Academic Research Excellence Awards concluded with the announcement of the proposed Oladapo Afolabi Center for Good Governance and Professional Etiquette, which organizers stated would promote exemplary leadership and ethical governance.

The ceremony reinforced OAU’s commitment to research excellence, mentorship, and strategic partnerships as critical drivers of the future of Nigerian higher education.