For his commitment to the development of education, the National Association of Northern Nigeria Students (NANNS) has honoured Arc (Dr.) Hassan Olawale Giwa with the Icon of Educational Transformation award.
The award was presented to the foremost philanthropist in Abuja on Tuesday by the representatives of the Association led by the Vice President, Comrade Ummukulthum Ize, National Secretary, Comrade Ibrahim Isah Adamu, PRO, Comrade Mohammed Sani Mohammed and Director of Welfare, Muyassar Kukuri Idris.
Arc Giwa, who had received several similar awards from various students’ bodies, in his acceptance speech, said he has committed himself to the development of education, not only in his state but in the country as a whole.
He disclosed that development of education is beyond what the government alone can shoulder, therefore, called for the involvement of private organizations and individuals to contribute their quota to raise the bar of education in the country.
Arc Giwa, who is the Founder of Hassan Olawale Giwa (HOG) Foundation, maintained that through the foundation, he has renovated schools, donated chairs and tables, and as well distributed writing materials to aid the students’ learning.
He disclosed further that he has paid for the West Africa Examination Council fee of brilliant students who are from the less privileged family, stating that the second edition comprising not less than 50 students was done in March this year.
While assuring the Association of his continuous support to the education sector, Arc Giwa called on the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to find the lasting solutions to the ongoing strike action that has prolonged the academic calendar in the county for several months.
He identified students as the future of the country, saying that stakeholders should do everything humanly possible to prepare a strong foundation for them to build on.
Giwa also urged the students and youths generally to focus more on their dreams and make decisions that will impact them positively.
