…as NAPE donates workstation, pledges new bus
The ongoing infrastructural development efforts of Olabisi Onabanjo University have received a boost with the donation of 65 solar-powered street lights to the institution’s Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences (OACHS), Sagamu Campus. The 2000W lighting project was donated by the 14th Set of Medical Graduates of the University.
Speaking during the official handover and commissioning of the project on Wednesday, 9th April, 2025, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, lauded the kind gesture of the donors, describing it as visionary and timely. He said the alumni remain the greatest resource of the University towards achieving its tripartite mandate of teaching, research and community service, stressing that his administration would not leave any stone unturned in collaborating with them.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that some alumni branches and chapters as well as individuals have contributed immensely to the infrastructural development of the University in recent years, saying the institution would continue to lean more on its alumni to attain the desired level of development.
Prof. Agboola opined that the solar-powered street lights donated to the University by the former medical students who graduated in 2004 will not only enhance the safety of students, staff and visitors but also help reduce the institution’s carbon footprints in alignment with its broader goals of sustainability and responsible utilisation of resources.
He said, “It is not just the 65 units that made meaning to me but the principle behind it and the willingness to give back. I believe that if you can give 65, you can give more. What we are doing today actually symbolises the incredible bond between the Alumni and the University and the enduring legacy of service and the commitment of fostering a greater and sustainable future for our students and community.”
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to this set for their remarkable generosity. Your gesture goes far beyond the physical infrastructure we are commissioning and it signifies the commitment to creating a more conducive environment for learning, safety and growth. In particular, the decision to install solar-powered street lights is both visionary and timely.”
The Vice-Chancellor urged the donors not to relent in giving back to their alma mater, assuring that all their requests aimed at bridging the gap in infrastructural requirements of the institution would be granted. Prof. Agboola added, “I’m confident that this is just the beginning of many more impactful collaborations between our Alumni and the University.”
“Through initiatives like this donation, we are teaching the next generation of medical professionals not only the technical skills required for their future but also the importance of community engagement and making a positive impact in the society,” he submitted.
The Class Representative of the donors, Dr. Olajumoke Oyenuga, disclosed in her speech that the solar-powered street lights were donated to mark the 20th anniversary of the graduation of the former medical students. She said members of the Alumni group were proud of the current infrastructural drive of the Vice-Chancellor and therefore decided to support him by gifting the College such a befitting project. Dr. Oyenuga noted that the lighting project, which was also executed in response to the pressing needs of the Sagamu Campus, would enhance visibility and provide a safe, convenient and welcoming environment for staff and students to perform their respective activities.
She said, “Our Alma Mater was more than just a place of learning. It was a community, a family that nurtured us, challenged us and prepared us for the world beyond these walls that we see. As alumni, we have a responsibility to give back to the institution that has given us so much.”
“Today, I’m proud to announce that our Alumni Association is making a donation of 65 units of solar-powered street light to enhance visibility, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and crimes, increase sense of security, enhance ambience providing an overall safe, convenient and welcoming environment. This is being done as part of our efforts to support the VC’s commitment.”
“The Vice-Chancellor has made so many giant strides in infrastructural development in the College of Health Sciences and we want to support him in his transformation agenda. Together we can make a lasting impact and ensure that our Alma Mater remains a beacon of excellence for years to come,” she explained. Dr. Oyenuga also announced the plan of the donors to build a multipurpose sporting lawn for OACHS “as a landmark project for the 20th anniversary of our Set,” urging the Vice-Chancellor to approve the alumn group’s request for a piece of land for this purpose. She expressed the commitment of the 14th Set of Medical Graduates to ensuring the academic programmes of the University continuously meet accreditation requirements. She enjoined all members of the University Community, especially the various alumni groups, to cooperate with the Vice-Chancellor and the Management Team in transforming the institution and making it a beacon of excellence.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the OACHS Provost, Prof. Bolanle Fetuga, appreciated the members of the 14th Set of Medical Alumni for responding to the clarion call to assist the College in overcoming some of its challenges. President of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Medical Students Association (OOUMSA), Ayomikun Adu, while thanking the donors on behalf of the beneficiaries, said the lighting project remained a remarkable gift “that will undoubtedly enhance the learning experiences of some of us that come to school at night to read, and notably, our safety on campus.”
In a related development, the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) has donated a high-end workstation to the Department of Geology, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye. The association also promised to donate a Hummer bus for the use of the Department, especially its students undergoing the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
The NAPE President, Mr. Uche JohnBosco, made the disclosure when he led the association’s delegation on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, on Thursday, 17th April, 2025.
JohnBosco, who was accompanied by the Chairman, University Assisted Programme, NAPE, Dr. Ifeanyi Obi, and the Head of Geology Department, OOU, Prof. Niyi Adebisi, said the workstation donation was aimed at supporting the institution’s learning experience in accordance with the association’s mission to promote excellence in petroleum exploration and geoscience education. Responding, the Vice-Chancellor was elated by the gesture of the association which, he noted, would undoubtedly enhance the students’ learning experience and research capabilities as well as assist in addressing the issue of mobility. He noted that with the provision of cutting-edge technology and tools, the students would be able to excel in their academic pursuits. Prof. Agboola emphasised the 3Es mantra of his administration namely education, employability and entrepreneurship, saying the University will not detract from the ongoing efforts to partner with relevant industries towards fulfilling its vision and mission.
