The Head of Department, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Akin-Tunde Ademola Odukogbe, on Thursday, July 31, 2025, urged high school students to dream big and remain focused on their academic journey.
Odukogbe stated this at the investiture of Professor Ayodeji Oludare Omole as the new President of the Board of Trustee (BoT) of AndTop Charity Foundation established by Andre Akindutire and Temitope Olawale.
Omole, of the Dagunmodo Ruling House, Ogba Akoko, Ondo State is a professor of Forest and Timber Engineering in the Department of Forest Production and Products in UI.
Omole, who noted that he felt challenged about the honour bestowed on him as well as prepared to face the challenge, assured the Foundation of giving his best adding, “We will carry out this job with integrity and AndTop will go places.”
He is the current Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, and Vice Chairman, Committee of Pro Chancellors of State-owned universities (COPSUN).
Odukogbe, who chaired the occasion, shared his personal story to highlight the power of early ambition and educational support.
Recounting his formative years, he said his dream of becoming a medical doctor began at the age of 14 after he excelled in a health science test in secondary school.
He recalled, “I wasn’t the first person – I was second but I looked at the result – that moment sparked something in me. It was then I told myself I would become a doctor. That decision, and my passion for science, guided my life. I gained admission into the University of Ibadan in 1978 and graduated in 1983. It has been a very wonderful journey.”
He praised AndTop Charity Foundation for its scholarship programme and emphasised its importance in shaping the future of young Nigerians.
“My university education was sponsored by an uncle. So, I can relate to the support these children are receiving today. They have been selected based on performance, and this should mark the beginning of a long, determined journey,” Prof Odukogbe noted.
The Three Awardees
Addressing the young scholars, he said, “Now is the time to dream – while your brain is fresh and your strength is optimal. But beyond dreaming, you must put rigour in what you do. Trust yourself, build yourself, and above all, love yourself. If you don’t love yourself, it will be difficult to love others.”
Earlier, the three students who emerged best in the 2025 Ibadan High School Science Competition organized by AndTop Charity Foundation out of about 300 students who participated in the competition received cash gifts and school bags.
Uthman Mustapha Olasubomi got N500,000 for first position while Olaniyi Oluwasolafunmi David and Ogunsola Oreoluwa received N300, 000 and N200,000 respectively, for clinching second and third positions.
Best Student, Uthman Mustapha Olasubomi
Other members of the BoT are Professors James Ameh of the Department of Medicine, Adenike Akinjobi, Department of English, Ayodeji Oluwatope, all from UI, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, OAU, Dr Ikeoluwapo O. Moody, former Secretary, UI College of Medicine and Mr M.A. Adewumi, retired Assistant Senior Registrar, UI.
Gracing the occasion are the UI Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin), Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba, Professor Abass Aderemi Adedibu, Oyo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Prof Dahud Kehinde Sangodoyin, Head of Department, Mass Communication, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Dr Olusoji Olatunji, Prof Dele Daunsi, Prof M.J. Olutunde, union leaders including UI ASUU Chairman, Dr Adefemi Afolabi, and UI ASUU Secretary, Dr Seun Garuba.
