First-class graduates deserve more rewards than athletes — Foundation tells FG

Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, chairman of the First Class Muslim Foundation (FCMF) has urged the federal government to prioritize first-class graduates over sportsmen and women.

He made the statement on Wednesday at the seventh edition of the M-First Series, a 3-day annual mentorship training for selected first-class Muslim graduates in Lagos.

An event where experts in various fields trained the graduates in critical thinking, networking, harnessing potential, and exploring international study opportunities.

Speaking at the event, Ogunmuyiwa, who is also the Director and Head of Education Quality Assurance services in Lagos state advised the government to start rewarding first-class graduates as it would inspire academic excellence nationwide.

He did not fail to commend the government’s loan scheme initiative. However, he appealed for better appreciation and tangible rewards for first-class graduates.

“I thank the government for introducing the student loan scheme. I want them to do more by giving the same over N100 million some sportsmen got to each student that is able to get first class.

“If we can do this, almost all Nigerian students will be motivated to aim for first class, and this will boost academics in Nigeria,” he said.

Speaking further, Ogunmuyiwa highlighted the advantages of prioritizing and rewarding first-class graduates in the country. He also admonished governments at all levels to increase investment in the education sector.

“We are training and it is a necessity. We look forward to a time we can reward first-class students in Nigeria adequately.

“If we do this, many youths will see education and scholarship as a serious pursuit.

“The government can change the tide by focusing more on education and encouraging scholarship. This is why other countries outperform us in education,” he said. The

“Government must seek ways to improve funding in education, and this is one of the surest means to develop.

“When you educate people, you empower them. Nigerian students need access to quality education so they can stop going outside the country to learn,” he added.

The annual event saw the attendance of Yaba College of Technology, Rector, Engr Ibraheem Abdul; Lagos State Polytechnic, Rector, Dr Nurudeen Olaleye; Chief Financial Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr Modupe Kadri; BUA Refinery Coordinator, Engr Nasir Giwa; Omnicom Solutions Limited CEO, Engr Faheed Olajide; Idris Akinremi; and Mr Sanusi Ahmed of Globacom amongst others.