…Students win three prestigious national awards in taxation, essay writing and debate
By Our Reporter
Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, has further cemented its reputation as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing centres of academic excellence after its students recorded a remarkable triple victory in three prestigious national competitions, reinforcing the institution’s ambition to produce globally competitive graduates.
The outstanding performances saw students of the university emerge winners in national competitions in taxation, essay writing and debating, attracting widespread commendation from the academic community and further projecting the institution on the national stage.
Leading the impressive feat was Mercy Nana Bankole, a 400-Level student of the Department of Economics, whose scholarly article emerged as the overall best in the national magazine competition organised by the Nigerian Association of Students of Taxation and Allied Courses (NASTAC).
Her winning entry earned the coveted first prize, making her the national champion in the competition and bringing honour to Elizade University.
In another outstanding performance, Grace Odukomaiya, a 200-Level Economics student, clinched second position in the national essay competition jointly organised by NASTAC and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), further underscoring the academic strength of the university’s Tax Club.
Completing the remarkable hat-trick, Elizade University emerged champions of the highly competitive inter-university debate organised by the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria for universities in Ondo and Ekiti States.
The victorious debating team, comprising Damolekun Lawson, a 500-Level Law student, Alawe-Avayivu Temiloluwa Glory, also a 500-Level Law student, and Adeola Joshua, a 300-Level Law student, demonstrated exceptional analytical ability, eloquence and mastery of taxation issues to defeat contestants from other institutions and claim the championship trophy.
The achievements have drawn commendation from stakeholders in the education sector, with many describing the victories as further evidence of Elizade University’s rapid emergence as a leading institution for academic excellence, innovation and leadership development.
Receiving the award-winning students at the University’s Senate Building, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Philip Oguntunde, expressed delight over their achievements, describing the victories as a testament to the institution’s unwavering commitment to quality education and global competitiveness.
He said the university remains focused on producing graduates capable of excelling anywhere in the world.
Professor Oguntunde declared that Elizade University is steadily becoming “a force to be reckoned with globally,” adding that the institution’s vision is anchored on nurturing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to compete successfully in an increasingly competitive global environment.
According to him, the university has continued to invest significantly in quality teaching, modern learning facilities, research and human capital development, with the positive results now becoming evident through the outstanding performances of its students in national competitions.
He noted that the achievements validate the university’s educational philosophy and reaffirm its commitment to academic excellence, innovation and leadership.
Also speaking, the Registrar, Mr. Omololu Adegbenro, congratulated the students on their accomplishments and urged both staff and students to remain steadfast in the pursuit of excellence.
“Success is not a bus stop,” he remarked, encouraging members of the university community to continue setting higher standards and striving for greater accomplishments.
Adegbenro said the latest victories had added to the institution’s growing list of national recognitions and further strengthened its reputation as one of Nigeria’s emerging universities where excellence is deliberately nurtured.
The University Bursar, Mr. Olusegun Ajeigbe, also commended the students, stating that Elizade University remains firmly committed to producing champions across diverse fields of endeavour.
“Elizade University is not only preparing students for the future; it is producing the leaders, innovators and professionals who will shape it,” he said.
