Kwara State has produced a total of 71 first class graduates in the 2015/2016 academic sessions from public and private universities across Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday, the project manager of an enterprise development nongovernmental institution, Saraki Empowerment and Employment Centre (SEEC), Adeyinka Adekeye, said the graduates were from universities of Lagos, Ilorin, Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University; Ahmadu Bello University, Federal University, Mina, Kwara State University, Covenant, Bowen and Afe Babalola universities, among others
Adekeye, who gave the breakdown of the statistics of the total figure of 71 graduates, said that Ilorin West Local Government Area (LGA) produced 18 first class graduates in the academic sessions.
“This is followed by Ifelodun, 12; Irepodun, 9; Offa 7; Ilorin East and Isin, 5 each; Ekiti, Asa and Oyun, 3 each; Moro, 2; Baruten, Edu, Ilorin South, Oke-Ero with 1 first class graduate each.
“Still on facts and figures on the sessions under review, Kwara produced 11 first class graduates in mathematics, followed by 6 in Economics; 5 in Biochemistry; 4 in Civil Engineering; 3 in Computer Science, Statistics, Microbiology, etc”, he said.
The project manager, who said that the feat that was worthy of celebrations, said that the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, had planned to celebrate the scholars for their outstanding performances and for being true ambassadors of their home state, Kwara.
“We therefore wish to inform you that the Senate President, Senator (Dr.) Abubakar Bukola Saraki will be hosting the Kwara scholars and their parents to a grand dinner on Sunday, December 18, 2016 in Ilorin.
“At the dinner, the Senate President will be announcing scholarships to each and everyone of these scholars in appreciation of their extraordinary performances and as a further demonstration of the Senate President’s belief that the pursuit of excellence is the hallmark of human capital development.
“In the same vein, on Monday, December 19, 2016, the Scholars will be attending a mentoring session where they will be inspiring select students of both public and private schools across Kwara state with their stories of exceptional performances.
He said the rationale behind the session was not only to encourage the pursuit of excellence but also to inspire future generations of indigenes of Kwara State to greatness.
Also speaking, the project consultant, Mr. Nasir Abdulkadri, said subsequent edition of the programme would recognise those who had distinguished themselves in informal vocations, religion and other tertiary institutions.