Alayande Varsity VC, Olaniyan bags Kwame Nkrumah\'s Award

ALAYANDE UNIVERSITY VICE-CHANCELLOR, 'LANRE OLANIYAN BAGS KWAME NKRUMAH GROW AFRICA PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE AWARD

Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan has received the Kwame Nkrumah Grow Africa Prize for Excellence Award in recognition of his sterling performances in office. The award was presented by the leadership of the Grow Africa Youth Initiative. 

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Erelu Office of the Vice-Chancellor, the President, Grow Africa Youth Initiative, Comrade Ozim Temple who led a powerful delegation, described the occasion as an opportunity to appreciate Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan for his administrative acumen, educational development and community service which marks him out as an iconic patriot in our African Society Worthy of Emulation. According to him, "It is in recognition of Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan's qualities which have distinguished him as a selfless leader of astute erudition, outstanding understanding and articulate attributes; who is one of such rare prominent Africans that are writing their names on the very heart of history which is in line with Kwame Nkrumah ideology that we today confer the Kwame Nkrumah Grow Africa Prize for Excellence Award on him and the University. We pray God continues working with you, Sir".

In his brief remarks, the Eruwa-born Economist, Prof. Olaniyan, who was flanked by the Registrar, Mrs. Olubunmi Siju Asunmo and the Director, Inter-Community and Alumni Relations, Dr. Olurotimi Akanni, expressed his deep appreciation to the President, BOT, Executive and the entire members of the Grow Africa Youth Initiative for the awards. "Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo is rich in history as a foremost educational institution in Nigeria. Having been upgraded to a university status in December, 2022, our Management has accepted to do all we can in writing our names in the annals of history. We are sure we will leave the university better after our tenure of office. I thank you for this great honour bestowed not only on me, but on the university. These awards for me and the university are not taken for granted. Please convey my appreciation to your BOT, Executive Team and all members of the Grow Africa Youth Initiative. Thank you so much", he submitted. 

The Grow Africa Youth Initiative is a body led by Comrade Ozim Temple that focuses on youth development through agriculture and combating issues like unemployment and substance abuse in Africa, inspired by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's ideologies. The initiative engages with stakeholders such as government officials, educational institutions, and other organizations to implement drug-free societies and promote agriculture as a driver of development and youth empowerment.

'Wale Adeoye

Media and Public Relations Officer, 

Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo

10 September, 2025