FSMO: We want to put Owo in the global map of excellence -Falaye

By Rasheed David

On June 13, 2024, the Falaye Science and Mathematics Olympiad (FSMO) held its award ceremony at Owo High School ICT hall, recognizing the outstanding performances of secondary school students in Owo local government area. The event was sponsored by Dr. Foluso Falaye, a renowned philanthropist and academic giant. 

"We want to put Owo in the global map of excellence" is the statement credited to the Òwò-born philanthropist, Dr. Foluso Bamidele Falaye whose family with Mr. Bankole Falaye co-sponsored the maiden edition of the FSMO. While presenting his keynote address before the prizes and awards presentations, Falaye boasted that "come 2025 and beyond, Owo will march to the pedestal of academic excellence through the concerted efforts put in place for the winners and best 20 contestants in the maiden edition of the Olympiad".

Falaye opined that it is high time Owo local government area students began to shine in their careers. He lamented the lacuna in the educational system and the need for the students to brace up with today's technology and trends in the educational world to be able to favourably compete with other students globally in any challenge of whatsoever magnitude. He encouraged the winning and participating schools to prepare ahead for future challenges and learn from what they encountered in the maiden edition of the FSMO.

AUD Grammar School emerged as the overall winner, followed by Owo High School in second place, and St. John Mary Unity in third-place. The FSMO award ceremony honored exceptional students in the fields of science and mathematics, with Oluwasegun Precious Olamide from AUD Grammar School Owo emerging as the winner and receiving a monetary award of N150,000. 

Also, Adebisi Busayo from Owo High School Owo and Salaja Honour from St. John/Mary Unity Owo were recognized as the second and third place winners, receiving cash prizes of N120,000 and N100,000 respectively, along with medals and trophies. Additionally, the remaining five contestants who made it to the final stage were awarded N25,000 each. The top 20 contestants were granted complimentary WAEC and JAMB registration fees, international SAT registration fees, a six-month weekend intensive coaching program with monthly stipends, and were presented with certificates of participation. Furthermore, all participating schools received a set of Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry textbooks imported from abroad as a gesture of goodwill from the sponsor.

Dr. Foluso Falaye, accompanied by the  chairman of the occasion, Prof. Chief. A. I. Ayodele, presented trophies and medals to the winners, congratulating them on their academic excellence. In turn, Prof. Ayodele urged the students to use the great opportunities brought by the FSMO to climb the ladder of excellence.

The anchor of the FSMO, an IT Guru, content creator and Yoruba Mathematics Class teacher on YouTube, did not spare words when he challenged Nigerian politicians whom he said have grounded the Nigeria economy. "Let our political office holders and elected leaders come back to their communities and spend the monies some of them have purportedly "stolen, embezzled, diverted and even misappropriated" rather than taking such to countries that have no benefits to Nigerians. If they do, the citizens will have no cause to be so angry with them at this crucial time", Adenegan echoed. He challenged all political office holders to learn from.the Falayes and give back to their communities as appropriate and not just the election indomies and packaged food they share for election purposes and vanish to Abuja only to return in the next election period.

Meanwhile, in his own words among other guests who made some remarks, Prof. Taiwo Adenegan, the Chairman of the Ondo State Counseling Association of Nigeria said that the students should learn from the FSMO experience and try to climb the shoulders of those who are great in Owo to be able to achieve their lofty goals and their heart desires.

The gathering convened educators, students, and key figures in the field of education, underscoring the significance of investing in human capital to propel economic growth and development, with Professor Ch. A. I. Ayodele presiding over the event. Present were the Zonal Education Officer of Owo local government, the Tutor General, the Director of TESCOM, and the Chairman of ANCOPSS. Also in attendance were Mr. Adebisi, the Chairman of the PTA, Honorable Ch. S.S. Adenegan, former PTA Chairman of Owo High School, High Ch. J. A. Aladenusi, Mr. Egona, Mr. Adedamola Adeyeri, Mr. Arogundade who was the MC, Ven. David Akintemi of the Anglican Communion, officials from the Ministry, Principals from numerous schools in the Owo local government area, parents of the award recipients, and various other distinguished guests, all of whom observed the event through the live coverage provided by the Òwò Madè Chat Showbiz.

The winners in turns spoke about their excitement and their future desires to excel in their studies as a result of the golden opportunities afforded them by the Falayes. The olympiad was anchored by ADEMMAK Global Consultancy Services, led by Dr. Kehinde Adenegan, and the program was well attended by numerous dignitaries. The FSMO aims to promote academic excellence and nurture future mathematicians and scientists in owo region.