Three members of Vanguards Academy Old Students Association (VAOSA), Ijẹbu-Ode, Ogun State and 14 other students have graduated with first-class bachelor’s degrees from Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State.
The young and latest scholars were among the 240 students that received their certificates during the faith-based university’s 12th convocation ceremony held on Saturday, January 14.
The three graduands are Ishaq Adeyemi Fatimah, Maryam Jumoke Ismail Olalere and Aishah Arinola, the daughter of Sheikh Abdulfattah Thanni, one of the spiritual fathers of The Muslim Congress (TMC) and Chairman, Council of Ulamau of Nigeria.
Aishah, an indigene of Ondo State, studied Mass Communication; Maryam, who hails from Osun State, studied Microbiology, while Fatimah from Ogun State, graduated from the Department of Accounting and Finance from the prestigious institution.
Fountain University was established by one of Nigeria’s leading Islamic organisations, the Nasrul-lahi-li-Fatih (NASFAT) Society in 2007.
Muslim News gathered that two other members of the Association, Adewale Maymunah and Ligali Maryam emerged as the Best Graduating Students in Banking and Finance, and Economics, respectively.
The Mass Communication graduand, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.60, in an interview with the Muslim News, said; “It feels good to a certain extent. I mean, your family is proud of you, your colleagues congratulating you, employers paying more attention to you, especially because you graduated with a first class degree and I think there are some other benefits from others in society.”
Maryam, the daughter of Engineer Ismail Olalere’s joy knew no bounds as she thanked Allah, her parents, her family and her school mother for supporting her to achieve the feat.
Maryam told Muslim News that she had wanted to become a gynecologist due to the declining number of womenfolk.
She added, “I gave my best to study Medicine but was rejected by three universities. After several rejections and seeing that most of my mates had gained admission. I became desperate, but I was advised by my uncle and mother figure that only prayer could solve any problem. I sought Allah’s guidance and finally, I chose Microbiology. Today, I am graduating with a first class grade. Alhamdulillah.”
In her reaction, Fatimah, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.50, said, “I feel really good and grateful that I made everyone so proud of me. You know the feeling that comes with your loved ones being proud of you cannot be described. Alhamdulillah.”
Muslim News findings showed that 88 others finished with Second Class Upper division, 107 with Second Class Lower and 28 in the third class. The institution also awarded Master’s degrees to 19 individuals in various disciplines.
Four notable Nigerians were also awarded honorary degrees.
These awardees are Alhaji Sulaymon Alao Eniafelamo, Community Leader and Head of all Baaales of Isale Osun, who received a Doctorate in Sociology (Honoris Causa); Air Marshall Isiaka Oladayo Amao, Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration; Vice-Admiral Jubrila Ayinla, Honorary doctorate in Sciences; Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State and 2019 Nigerian Muslim Personality of the Year, with a Doctorate in Public Administration.
