From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Legal icon and philanthropist, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has donated a new Senate Building to Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI). Ekiti State.
According to the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) the multi- million naira edifice was donated in fulfilment of his promise to the management of the institution.
Stressing the importance of a Senate building in every institution, Olanipekun who is the Chancellor of BOUESTI and an indigene of Ikere-Ekiti said the building was “in realization of the central role a Senate Building plays in any University.”
Olanipekun made the remarks during the commissioning of the Senate building by the Governor of the state, Biodun Oyebanji and the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, on Thursday, on the campus of the institution in Ikere-Ekiti.
The legal luminary who started the construction of the two-storey building in March 2024 and completed it in November, 2024, noted that the kind gesture was a legacy to humanity and for the advancement of knowledge, promising to do more.
The Senior Advocate said, “The construction work on this Building started in March this year, during which time I issued a clear directive to all categories of workers that the project must be completed and ready for handing-over to the University, through His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, by November, unfailingly.
” 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.”
Mentioning the facilities within the well-furnished building, he said “Without being immodest, this edifice is substantially modern by all standards and ramifications. The executive summary of what the building contains is as follows: 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 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 obtain 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.”
The former NBA president appealed to Governor Oyebanji to support the university and called on the indigenes of the town both home and abroad to also contribute to the development of the institution.
“Without prejudice to my appeal to Mr. Governor to extend more assistance to the University, the point must be made that, all over the world, the trend now is public-private partnerships and collaborations in the provision of the desired and expected infrastructure for tertiary institutions, including public or government-owned Universities. The people of Ikere in particular, and all men of goodwill, generally, should appreciate the fact that it is incumbent on them to contribute meaningfully, either in cash or kind, to the sustenance of this University. No contribution is ever too small or too huge.”
Delivering his speech at the commissioning, Governor Oyebanji described Olanipekun as a blessing to Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria and humanity. He appealed to Ekiti sons and daughters to emulate the uncommon gesture of the duo of Olanipekun and the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) for the betterment of Ekiti State.
” I will continue to say this without apology to nobody that Chief Wole Olanipekun and Aare Afe Babalola are two great philanthropists ever produced in Ekiti. If each Local Government in Ekiti State can have one of these great men, our problems would be solved. I have never seen an individual who is committed to giving back freely to the society like these two great men .We shall continue to pray and celebrate you at all times.
“The infrastructure donation is a proving example of Chief Omolayo who donated the first Senate Building to the Ekiti State University,(EKSU) and Aare Afe Babalola,(SAN) who donated the administrative block at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado- Ekiti, in following their footsteps, I also made donation to General Hospital, Aramoko, where I was born, in honour of the memory of my mum. We all need to give back to our communities for better Ekiti of our dream .
“The development of Ekiti is not of the state government alone, as individuals, we can pick something of interest in our community and make a significant impact in the lives of our people.
“As government, our administration understands the importance of education in the overall development of Ekiti state. Indeed, human capital development is one of the critical items in our shared prosperity agenda as encapsulated in our six pillars of our administration.
“Our government remains committed to the continuous improvement of education infrastructure to facilitate conducive learning environment at all levels of education.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, commended the extraordinary gesture of Olanipekun and his commitment to progress and development. He called on well- to- do Nigerians, individuals and organizations to follow in Olanipekun’s footsteps.
“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.
“His generosity is a testament to a life dedicated to service, excellence, and the empowerment of future generations.
“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 organizations, to emulate this uncommon gesture.”
The Minister appreciated Olanipekun, on behalf of the Federal Government, noting that the administration of President Bola Tinubu will continue to provide quality education in the country.
“On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and the government of our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I offer my deepest appreciation and respect to Chief Olanipekun for this uncommon and exemplary gesture.
“It is a reminder to us all that true success is measured by the impact we leave on our communities and the legacy of hope we bequeath to the next generation.
“As we celebrate this milestone, let me underscore the importance of
prioritizing Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEMM) education, a core focus of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Our nation’s growth and competitive advantage lie in how well we prepare our youths to navigate the demands of the 21st century. It is through STEMM
education that we can equip our students with critical thinking skills, innovative capacities, and the confidence to excel in a fast-evolving global economy.
“This administration is resolute in its belief that quality education, driven by robust 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 Senate Building we commission today will play a crucial role in making these aspirations a reality. It will facilitate efficient governance, support academic research, and contribute to the excellence that Bamidele Olumilua University of Education and Technology, Ikere, (BOUESTI) is known for.”