There was much joy for the people of Ikere-Ekiti and the university community as a legal luminary and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun, on November 28, donated a modern and multi-million-naira senate building to the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI).
Just two days later, it was the turn of the students, women and the aged to benefit from his gesture during the 28th edition of his scholarship scheme and the fifth empowerment programme for the people. During the event, thousands of beneficiaries were captured in the empowerment schemes.
Considering the impact of a conducive administrative building in any university, the gesture of Olanipekun to the institution will go a long way in advancing the development of education in the university.
The inauguration of the new senate building was attended by dignitaries including the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji; Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; a former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; the alternate chairman of Forum of Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities, Lanre Tejuosho and the retired Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese, Michael Ipinmoye.
Others include the Secretary to the Government of Ekiti, Dr Habitat Adubiaro; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti, Dayo Apata; the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu; the Iralepo of Isikan Akure, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula, among others.
Olanipekun, who is the chancellor of the university, said the well-furnished two-storey building which was completed within eight months was done in fulfillment of his promise to the university towards improving the standard of education in the state.
He revealed that the building was designed to provide conducive administrative edifice for the effective running of the university, adding that the facility would stand the test of time and compete with other senate buildings in older universities.
According to him, “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.”
On the facilities at the building, the chairman 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 anteroom, 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 12m (40ft) 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 administration of the ‘ivory tower’.”
Commissioning the project, Governor Oyebanji commended the philanthropist gesture of Olanipekun over the years in the state, adding that his efforts at improving lives and livelihoods would always be remembered and acknowledged by the government.
The governor said the construction of the senate building would have a significant impact on the development of education in the university and the state at large.
Oyebanji said, “I am 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.”
Speaking, the Minister of Education, Dr Alausa who commended the donor for his selfless contribution to the education sector, described the gesture as a demonstration of his commitment to national growth and development.
The minister said, “Today, we gather not only to celebrate this architectural marvel but also to honour the spirit of benevolence that has brought it to fruition. Chief Olanipekun’s generosity is a testament to a life dedicated to service, excellence and the empowerment of future generations
“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, 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 organizations, to emulate this uncommon gesture.”
The vice chancellor, Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa, lauded the donor and chancellor of the university for the construction of the senate building, which he said would help the institution in its administrative activities.
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