The Arole Oodua and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has signed a Scholarship Memorandum Of Understanding with the University of Oxford to enable him provide scholarships for students in African studies.
Ooni Ogunwusi, who was hosted by the University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dr Robert Easton on Monday 27th November, 2017 signed the scholarship agreement in partnership with the University’s African Studies Centre, ASC saying it is a dream come true.
Easton expressed optimizm that the number of Nigerian students in Oxford will increase with the Ooni Ogunwusi/Oxford MSc Scholarship Scheme.
Presenting the Ooni to the Oxford University management team, the Director of African Studies Centre, Professor Wale Adebanwi said the scholarship is for the Postgraduate students in Africa studies. He declared Ogunwusi as the first African leader to be so honoured by Oxford, describing him as a messiah sent by God to revitalize the dying African Culture and tradition.
“We welcome a lot of Nigerians here yearly and we do give unequaled qualitative education preparing them for leadership in the global society, both in public and private sectors.
“Your Majesty, we have about 60 Nigerian students here, which is still very low compared to South Africa’s 150 students. I am sure this your scholarship partnership with us will surely help in increasing the number of students from Nigeria yearly”.
Ooni thanked Oxford University for the appointment of a Nigerian from Osun as the first African to head the African Studies Centre of the prestigious University.
“Seeing Professor Adebanwi today in good spirit makes me very proud as his father, because this is the first time a black man would be serving in the capacity for this. I heartily thank the authorities of this school.
“Africa must become a place of pride and we must join hands to make it happen. There was nothing like Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, South Africa before. We used to be one single people of one humanity, one race, and one source with several Kingdoms.
‘’Nobody can tell our stories. We are the ones to tell our stories. We must know where we are coming from, where we are and where we are going.
‘’As the Arole Oodua and Spiritual Leader of Yorubaland, I congratulate Professor Wale Adebanwi and I am very happy to be associated with you and African Studies Centre of Oxford University,” Ooni said.
The Birmingham City University had, on Friday 24th 2017, announced a plan to establish partial scholarships for Yoruba students in honour of the king.
The Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, Professor Philip Plowden who stated this during a programme organized for the king, was corroborated by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands in UK, Dr Beverly Lindsay.
Dr Lindsay said that the turnout of the African students to welcome the Ooni to the University signals the acceptability of Africa to the University. She urged Ooni to see the entire Commonwealth family as his constituency.
“As Her Majesty the Queen’s Representative here, I am delighted to welcome you to the city of Birmingham which is the Heart of England with a historical vibrant religious and cultural diverse community.
“Your Majesty, nations that share a common respect for humanity can proudly call ourselves the Commonwealth of nations. We are bounded by history, shaped by culture and enriched by our people. We are optimistic to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and we hope that you will visit us during the games,’’ she said.
Ooni thanked the Birmingham City University for honouring him and urged Nigerian students led by their president, Damilola Adebambo to return home after their studies to contribute to the progress of the country.