A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, has donated a multi-million naira Senate building to the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Olanipekun, who completed the well-furnished, two-story building within eight months, described the project as a fulfilment of his promise to the university, aimed at enhancing educational standards in the state.
Speaking during the commissioning of the building on Thursday, Olanipekun, who also serves as the Chancellor of the university, emphasised the importance of providing a conducive environment for administration.
The event was attended by the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
He noted that the facility was designed to stand the test of time and compete with similar structures in older universities.
“I defied all odds, despite the present economic downturn in our dear nation, to ensure the completion of the Senate Building, which started in March this year, by mid-November. I dare say that I was constantly reminding myself that I owe the Governor a duty to present this edifice to him as soon as possible as a mark of my respect, fidelity, honour, cooperation, and synergy with this respected, respectable, remarkable, level-headed, humble, and dynamic Sheriff of our dear state,” Olanipekun said.
He pledged to continue supporting the university and the state, adding, “God willing, and through His infinite providence, I will always strive to do more. Governor Oyebanji rightly deserves the support, respect, assistance, cooperation, and encouragement of all true lovers of Ekiti State. He is a very distinct governor and personality.”
Highlighting the building’s facilities, Olanipekun, who also serves as the chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos, said:
“On the Ground Floor, we have the Reception, Security/Check-in Office, University Consult Office, Alumni Relations Office, Cleaners/Drivers’ Lounge, the two Deputy Vice-Chancellors’ Offices, Meeting Room, CSO’s Office, Janitors’ Unit, Changing Room, Utility and Storage Facilities, and four other offices.
“On the First Floor are the Registrar’s Office as well as the Registry, three Offices for the Bursary, including the Bursar’s Office, the Senate Chambers (150-Capacity), the Senate Ante Room, and Utility and Storage Facilities.”
“The Second Floor houses the Vice-Chancellor’s Offices (two in number), the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Office of the Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor, Chairman of the Governing Council’s Office, Secretary to the Chairman of the Governing Council’s Office, Council Chambers (150-capacity), Council Room, Security Post to the Council Chambers/Vice-Chancellor’s Office, and Utility and Storage Facilities.
“In all, there are 43 restrooms and other modern conveniences in the building. Also provided is a functioning borehole linked to a 12 m (40 ft) steel-structured overhead water tank with a capacity of 6,200 litres to regularly service the entire building.
“The facilities can compare fairly well with what is obtained in older universities, including the University of Ibadan, which is the oldest university in Nigeria. It is a sort of monument that will not only define the university environment by adding much aesthetic value to it but will also represent the ‘capitol’, in the context of the administration of the ‘ivory tower’.”
Commissioning the project, Governor Oyebanji commended Chief Olanipekun’s philanthropic gestures over the years in the state, noting that his efforts to improve lives and livelihoods would always be remembered and acknowledged by the government.
The governor said the construction of the Senate building would significantly impact the development of education at the university and in the state at large.
Oyebanji said, “I have yet to see a man who finds satisfaction in giving back to his community like Chief Wole Olanipekun, and I made bold to say that himself and Baba Afe Babalola are the most consistent individuals working for the development of the state.”
While commending the leadership of the university under Vice-Chancellor Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa for their efforts to improve the institution’s standards, the governor urged them to make judicious use of the new Senate building for maximum benefit.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the development of the university and other higher institutions in the state, emphasising the regular release of monthly subventions and other government interventions.
On his part, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, lauded the gesture of the legal luminary towards the development of the education sector in the country on behalf of the federal government.
“In a world where the pursuit of knowledge shapes the destinies of nations, investments in educational infrastructure are investments in our collective future. This building, with its promise of enhanced academic administration and capacity building, stands as a beacon of Chief Olanipekun’s unwavering commitment to the upliftment of education.”
“To Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, your act of philanthropy goes beyond the physical structure we see today. It sows seeds of inspiration, reminding us all that no contribution is too great when it comes to the cause of education. I call on other well-meaning Nigerians, individuals, and organisations to emulate this uncommon gesture.”
He assured stakeholders that the government of President Bola Tinubu “is resolute in its belief that quality education, driven by robust Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences (STEMM) programs, will fuel national development, close existing gaps, and ensure that Nigeria is not left behind in the march of progress in the 21st century.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adeoluwa, lauded the donor and chancellor of the university for the construction of the Senate building, which he said would greatly aid the institution’s administrative activities.
He assured Chief Olanipekun and the governor that the edifice would be adequately utilized towards fulfilling the university’s mandate to provide learning that supports the self-reliance of its graduates.
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