Professor gets surprise car 'courtesy' of his students

fuad lawal

May 2, 2015 1:47 PM

A Professor of the Animal Science Department of the University of Ibadan has received a surprise car donation from MTN Nigeria as a reward for professionalism

Prof Anthony Durojaiye Ologhobo of the University of Ibadan (UI), has received a surprise car donation from MTN Nigeria as a reward for professionalism. The Professor who is of the University's Animal Science Department, was nominated by his students who considered him a positive influence.

The reward is part of MTN’s campaign.

It was a surprise for Ologhobo who had no idea such an award was coming. He said about the gift car:

"This is a gift from the Almighty God. I was not expecting anything from MTN. I was only told to come and present some gifts to my students. I don’t know how to explain this. This is a great surprise and I am eternally grateful to MTN for this gesture.”

What made this gesture even more rewarding is the fact that the teachers who were to be rewarded were decided by their students.

Ologhobo is said to have been rewarded for his “diligence, moral rectitude and fatherly role.” Against the background of scandalous reports of sex-for-marks and money-for-marks epidemic in universities across the country, among other alleged unsavoury goings-on on campuses, Ologhobo’s story is truly a breath of fresh air.

“This is an encouragement for all of us at the University of Ibadan to put our best into whatever we are doing,” he noted.

It is noteworthy that MTN two months ago gave a new KIA car to a former Dean of Student Affairs, University of Lagos, Professor Harrison Oloruntade Longe, who was rewarded for his “consistency in the discharge of his duties, diligence and professionalism.” Longe was said to have been distinguished by his work in helping to resolve students’ welfare issues.

However, without discounting the potential of such car gifts to inspire and motivate academics, it is necessary to examine the happening more holistically. What about considering the big picture of bigger projects that would have a bigger impact on a greater number of people in the university system? For instance, many universities would benefit from infrastructural development, and companies can think of making contributions in this important area. Ologhobo’s comments can be interpreted as a pointer in this direction. “I equally use this opportunity to call on other corporate bodies to promote academic excellence, and reward the moral rectitude of deserving dons,” he said.

fuad lawal