BREAKING: EKSU Chancellor Stuns Graduates with N500,000 Cash Reward for First – Class Honours

In a remarkable show of support for academic excellence, the Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Tunji Olowolafe, has awarded N500,000 each to 83 first-class graduates of the institution, sparking excitement across Nigeria’s education community and beyond. The surprise reward, announced during the university’s 30th convocation ceremony, has quickly become one of the most talked-about education stories in the country.

Speaking at the colourful event held in Ado-Ekiti, Olowolafe said the cash award was made possible through his foundation as part of efforts to celebrate and encourage academic distinction. He described the gesture as more than financial support, stressing that it represents a strong message that excellence must always be recognised and rewarded.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at inspiring students to remain committed to hard work, discipline, and outstanding performance in their studies. He further disclosed that the beneficiaries would also be inducted into the Tunji Olowolafe First Class Graduate Club, a platform expected to maintain long-term engagement with the top-performing graduates.

The convocation ceremony also featured the unveiling of major academic interventions, including Project Digi-Teach EKSU, designed to ensure full digital proficiency for over 650 lecturers in the institution. In addition, a partnership with London-based career platform Springpod was announced to provide students with free virtual work experience opportunities with global firms such as Amazon, Deloitte, Barclays, and Rolls-Royce.

The development has drawn praise from students, parents, and education stakeholders, many describing it as a bold step toward promoting merit and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s higher education system. For many young Nigerians, the reward sends a powerful message that academic excellence still pays.