The Management of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye has officially received the newly completed Oba Otudeko Administrative Building, an architectural masterpiece donated by an accomplished entrepreneur and renowned investor, Dr. Oba Otudeko, for the use of the University Community. The ultramodern edifice measuring 2,400 square metres, which was handed over on Thursday, 20th November, 2025 at the Main Campus, Ago-Iwoye, marked a pivotal step towards expanding the infrastructure of the foremost institution.
Dr. Otudeko, who served as the Chancellor of the University from 2001 to 2010, had donated the building in furtherance of his philanthropy and commitment to educational advancement. He made the donation under the aegis of his Oba Otudeko Foundation (OOF).
A brief handover ceremony and symbolic presentation of keys to the building was witnessed by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Prof. Toyin Ashiru OON; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola; Council Members and Principal Officers of the University as well as the OOF representatives led by the Head of Governance and Sustainability at Honeywell Group, Mrs. Yewande Giwa.
In his address during the event held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Committee Room, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Toyin Ashiru OON, expressed appreciation to the donor for his generosity to the University. He noted that the building would help in addressing acute shortage of office space for administrative personnel and other essential staff, thereby enhancing efficiency, productivity and quality service delivery.
With the donation, Prof. Ashiru declared that the donor had again demonstrated visionary philanthropy and deep loyalty to OOU, where he served meritoriously as Chancellor and left remarkable footprints that had continued to shape the institution’s story of progress. He added that Dr. Otudeko’s generosity will continue to rewrite the future of education, inspire excellence and uplift generations to come. “I wish to express, on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Staff and Students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, our profound appreciation to Dr. Oba Otudeko, CFR, Chairman of the Honeywell Group and Founder of the Oba Otudeko Foundation,” the Pro-Chancellor said while thanking the donor.
“The magnificent Oba Otudeko Administrative Building stands not only as an architectural masterpiece but also as a bold and historic gesture of love, partnership, and unwavering commitment to educational development. This landmark gesture is a true blessing. It will decisively address one of the University’s most urgent challenges,” he emphasised.
While further applauding the donor’s kind gesture, Prof. Ashiru pointed out that his legacy will be honoured for generations even as he prayed God to reward him abundantly for “sowing into the destiny of future generations.”
“You have given our administration a dignified home and strengthened the heart of our governance structure. Our University, Ogun State, and Nigeria at large remain deeply grateful,” the Pro-Chancellor remarked.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor, in his opening remarks, extended heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Otudeko and assured that the new building would be adequately maintained. He said the donation would assist in bridging the infrastructural gap in the University.
Prof. Agboola, who traced the history of the University from inception to date, acknowledged the tremendous contributions of philanthropists and well-meaning indigenes of Ogun State to its growth and development over the years. He restated the readiness of the University Management for continued collaboration towards providing a conducive environment for academic excellence.
His words: “It is my pleasure and honour to witness today. We have been on this for a while, and we thank God that it has finally come to pass. The University actually was established in 1982, and from the period of establishment till today, it has benefitted immensely from philanthropists and the good gesture of Ogun State indigenes and citizens.”
“By the time the University started, we had about 500 students. But today, we are proud to say that we have more than 30,000 students. And by that extension, it shows clearly that we need more facilities to be able to cope with the level of expansion. Therefore, this donation is coming at the right time.”
Speaking on behalf of the donor, the Head of Governance and Sustainability at Honeywell Group, Mrs. Yewande Giwa, said the donation was in fulfilment of a promise. Noting that OOU holds a special place in his heart, she expressed confidence that the new building would serve the University Community for many years to come. She appreciated the University Management, the project team and all partners who helped to bring the vision to reality.
She explained: “This project began as a personal philanthropic effort by our Founder, driven by his long-standing belief that education and enterprise remain the foundation of sustainable progress and his sincere desire to support this esteemed institution.”
“OOU’s motto, which translates to ‘the flowering of human abilities and service to the fatherland,’ captures the role the educational sector plays in developing the nation and strongly aligns with the values of our Foundation. What began as that personal commitment has now been fully realised through the Oba Otudeko Foundation, ensuring that its impact endures.”
“This 2,400-sqm building we are handing over today is more than an infrastructure project. Beyond its physical footprint, the building has been developed to support capacity-building efforts within the University, enhancing the environment in which learning, research, and professional development take place.” Giwa stressed that the Oba Otudeko Foundation has, since its inception in 2003, remained focused on two core pillars of entrepreneurship and education. While bemoaning the persistent shortage of skilled talent and strong institutions across Nigeria and Africa, she said addressing the critical challenge would require sustained investment.
“This project,” she asserted “represents one of the many ways we contribute to building the capacity needed for long-term development.”
Giving further insights, she said “while classrooms often receive the spotlight, we recognise that true educational excellence depends on the strength of the systems and structures that support them. This administrative building reflects our belief that a great University is powered not only by its teaching and research, but by the quality of its governance, coordination, and student-facing services.”
“By reinforcing the backbone of the institution, we are advancing our pillars of education and entrepreneurship because strong administration enables innovation, effective learning, and the development of graduates who can lead and create. This building is, therefore, more than infrastructure; it is an investment in the University’s capacity to operate at its best and empower the next generation,” Giwa, who led a team from the donor, concluded. She was accompanied by Tomi Otudeko, Head, Corporate Services, Honeywell Group; Mrs. Aisha Oyeyemi, Project Manager; Miss Pearl Okpere, Associate Governance and Sustainability; and Miss Grace Aderemi-John, Associate Corporate Communications Officer.
The ceremony was eventually wrapped up with the cutting of ribbon at the frontage of the new building, a guided tour of its facilities and group photographs.