In a week celebrating lifelong impact and commitment to human capital development, renowned technologist and entrepreneur Mr. Tim Akano has been conferred with two prestigious Distinguished Alumnus Awards. The honors, presented by Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and his primary school, Baptist Day School, Oluponna, recognize his decade-spanning contributions to education, technology, and community development.
These awards highlight Akano’s unique approach to philanthropy, which blends traditional infrastructural support with forward-looking investments in emerging technologies.
Empowering the Future of AI at OAU
As a member of the class of 1983, Akano’s recognition by OAU reflects his active role in keeping his alma mater at the forefront of the global digital economy.
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The AI Scholarship: In 2023, he provided ₦60 million to fund 1,000 scholarships for OAU students specifically to study Artificial Intelligence, ensuring they remain competitive in the global job market.
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Structured Mentorship: Beyond financial aid, he has institutionalized a mentorship program where he personally adopts five students from the Department of International Relations every year, guiding them through their academic and professional journeys.
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Global Influence: The university noted his role as a bridge between Nigerian youth and global technological innovations.
Historic Recognition at Baptist Day School
The award from Baptist Day School, Oluponna, carried deep historical weight. Established in the 1930s, the school named Akano as the first alumnus ever to receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award in its nearly 100-year history.
Infrastructure and Legacy: During his visit to receive the award, Akano inspected several critical infrastructural projects that were fully financed by the Tim Akano Foundation three years ago. These improvements have significantly upgraded the learning environment for the current generation of students in his hometown.
[Image showing Tim Akano receiving an award from OAU officials, with a backdrop of a refurbished school building in Oluponna]
A Model for Community Impact
Akano’s dual awards underscore a recurring theme in Nigerian philanthropy: the power of the “giving back” culture to supplement state efforts in education. By focusing on both the foundational level (primary school) and the cutting edge (AI at university), Akano has created a blueprint for holistic human capital development.
