In recognition of her outstanding academic feat as the Best Undergraduate Final Year Student in the Department of Accounting, Achievers University, Owo with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.87, Iluyemi Bisola Deborah was honoured with a Certificate of Merit and a cash prize of ₦100,000 by the Ondo State Accountant Forum, the umbrella body of professional accountants across the Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Parastatals of the Ondo State Government.
The prestigious award was presented on Tuesday, 20th May 2025, during a formal ceremony held at the University. Achievers University was one of the two tertiary institutions in Ondo State selected for the award, marking a historic moment as the first private university to be recognised by the Forum in this capacity.
In the keynote speech of the Chairman of the Forum, Mr. A. T. Adekanbi, delivered by Dr. (Mrs.) Joycelyn Oladipo., FCNA, FCTI, ACA, the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to rewarding excellence and giving back to society. According to the Chairman, the award is aimed at encouraging future accountants to strive for professional distinction, noting that excellence cannot be ignored. Speaking further, Dr. (Mrs.) Oladipo attested to the significant role Achievers University has played in nurturing and producing quality accountants, stating that she, along with many of her professional colleagues currently serving in various ministries and agencies of Ondo State, are proud alumni of the University. She emphasized that the solid academic foundation and ethical training received at Achievers University have continued to shape their professional conduct and excellence in the field.
In a goodwill message on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Omolola Irinoye, the University Bursar, Mrs Oluwafumbi Ayodeji who received the delegation from the Accountant Forum, expressed heartfelt appreciation. She commended the Forum for recognising and rewarding academic brilliance, stating that such gestures reinforce the relevance and integrity of the accounting profession from the foundational level.
“The University is proud of Iluyemi’s exceptional performance. Her recognition today is not only a personal achievement but also a reference point to the quality of education and academic culture we uphold at Achievers University,” the Bursar said.
Visibly elated, Iluyemi Bisola Deborah shared her inspiring journey to academic excellence. She revealed that the tuition-free scholarship granted to her by Achievers University was her main source of motivation. “I didn’t want to lose the scholarship when I came in at 100 level because my parents could not afford a private university. That opportunity meant everything to me. I was determined to maintain at least the 2.0 CGPA requirement, but when I scored 4.6 in 100 level, I realized I could do even more,” she said.
Expressing her gratitude to the University and the Forum, she added, “I thank Achievers University for this opportunity. This award has motivated me further, and I hope it encourages other students to never settle for less.”
