From lecture halls to fields so wide, OAU students bring learning outside. With hearts of service and minds so bright, they guide young talents toward the light. In Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), learning is much more productive than in lecture rooms. Not only are the students exposed to academic excellence but they are also equipped with knowledge, creativity and leadership to make an impact. OAU students, through the Millennium Fellowship, are also playing a significant role in shaping the future and proving how innovation, education, and service can converge to bring positive change. 

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, OAU Millennium Fellows Olanipekun Marvellous, Timothy Ayelagbe, and Ekundayo Tinuoluwa led a transformative outreach at Smart Thinkers Group of Schools, Olosrunsogo 2, Modakeke. The program involved the secondary school students, teachers, and facilitators spending a day together on mental health education, career guidance, vocational skills training, and branding awareness in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal-SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 8, and SDG 9. This project reflects the idea that the University believes in its ability to empower students to be change agents, to provide young learners with the tools, thinking capacity and capability to succeed in their academic work, creativity, and professional endeavours. 

Promoting Mental Health and Academic Success

The program began with an event titled “Your Mind Matters: Mental Health and Wellbeing to Academic Success” conducted by Timothy Ayelagbe and Afolarin Joy. During this interactive lesson, the students were taught real-life skills on how to cope with stress, to have better focus and balance their emotions. They explored the close connection between the state of the mind and academic achievements through interactive dialogues given, familiar examples illustrated, and simple mindfulness practices mentioned.

The facilitators also stressed that it is not only hard work that will help one to be successful in school but the healthy mind that is capable of thinking clearly, focusing, and adapting to challenges. At the end of the session, students were more enlightened, more comfortable in themselves, and with more tools that they can utilize in their day to day academic life.

Unlocking Talent and Career Potential

Following this, Olanipekun Marvellous led an inspiring session on career guidance and innovation, themed “Unlock Your Potential.” Students were encouraged to reflect on their strengths, passions, and natural abilities, and to see these qualities as building blocks for future careers. 

Through real-life examples and interactive prompts, they explored different career pathways and learned how aligning their interests with long-term goals can lead to fulfilling and impactful professions.

The session emphasized creativity, critical thinking, and intentional planning, reminding students that success begins with self-awareness and the courage to pursue opportunities. By the end, many students felt more motivated and confident to set goals, seek mentorship, and take active steps toward shaping their futures. 

Practical Skills Workshops: Photography and Crocheting

The day also featured hands-on workshops to develop entrepreneurial and creative skills:

1.  Photography Workshop: Facilitated by Mr. Gbenga, students learned the basics of capturing compelling images, including lighting, composition, and framing. “Photography is drawing with light. Good lighting and steady hands make all the difference,” he shared.

2. Crocheting Workshop: Conducted by Miss Oluwanifemi, students explored stitching, pattern creation, and creative problem-solving, learning how this skill could be developed into a source of income. 

These workshops encouraged students to explore new interests, gain practical skills, and envision future opportunities beyond the classroom. Together, both workshops showed students that creativity is a skill—and a pathway to opportunity—that grows when nurtured.

Personal Branding: Crafting Your Identity

The program also included a session on personal branding, facilitated by Ekundayo Tinuoluwa. Students learned the importance of building a positive personal image, developing confidence, and presenting themselves professionally both online and offline. The session emphasized how values, communication, and self-presentation influence opportunities, helping students understand that personal branding is a key tool for academic, professional, and entrepreneurial success.

Through interactive activities and examples, students explored how to highlight their strengths, showcase achievements, and create a unique identity, empowering them to stand out and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Impact and Appreciation

At the end of the event, students shared reflections on their learning experiences, while teachers expressed gratitude for the initiative and encouraged the continuation of such programs. The program successfully demonstrated how OAU students, through the Millennium Fellowship, are bridging education, wellbeing, and skill development, creating lasting impact in local communities.