Fate has smiled on a 400-level student of the University of Lagos, Aremu Mubarak Olajide with the donation of an Automated Wheelchair and a full scholarship till the completion of his studies.
The gesture is courtesy of a friend of UNILAG, Engineer Dr. Funmi Ayinke.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony which held at the Prof. Jelili Omotola Hall on Monday, March 14, 2022, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, adjudged the donation of the wheelchair another testimony of the P3P initiative which he has vigorously pursued since he assumed office in 2017.
Prof. Ogundipe recalled the “Walk for life” exercise of Saturday, February 26, 2022 which held as part of awareness campaign for the 2022 NUGA Games being hosted by UNILAG, he specifically lauded the beneficiary; Aremu Mubarak Olajide for his strong will and active participation all through the over one hour walk not minding the challenges posed by his lower limbs’ impairment.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that he accepted the beneficiary’s request for the automated wheelchair with faith and appreciated the donor, Engr Dr. Funmi Ayinke for her interest and prompt response when she was reached.
He was also grateful to Engr. Dr Ayinke for the offer of scholarship accorded the 26-year old 400 level Business Education student.
In separate remarks, the beneficiary, Aremu Mubarak Olajide and his mother, Mrs. Falilat Aremu were full of gratitude to the management of the University of Lagos led by Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, and the donor; Engr Dr. Funmi Ayinke.
Mrs Aremu could barely hold back her tears as she recalled events of about 25 years ago when she took Mubarak who was barely a year old to the hospital having been down with fever, an event which ended her son’s walking abilities due to wrongly administered treatment.
She was particularly thankful to all those who have supported her struggles and efforts to see her son through school.
In her remarks, the donor, Engr Dr. Funmi Ayinke said her interest in Aremu Mubarak Olajide is in line with her commitment to continually impact lives.
While congratulating the beneficiary for his strong will and resilience despite his lower limbs’ impairment, Engr. Dr Ayinke who treated the entire gathering to her latest song titled “Omo iya teacher” charged other students not to allow any limitation in whatever form to deter them from their ultimate life goals.
Highpoint of the brief ceremony was the formal presentation of the Automated wheelchair by the donor, Engr. Dr Funmi Ayinke to the beneficiary, Aremu Mubarak Olajide amidst cheers and ovation, a gesture which the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Management services, Prof, Lucian Obinna Chukwu, his counterpart in charge of Development Services, Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa and the Dean, Students’ Affairs; Prof. Musa Obalola said is in line with the goal of all-round inclusiveness which the University of Lagos is pursuing on all fronts.
