By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
The Federal Government on Thursday asked wealthy Nigerians to support it’s current moves to lift the nation’s education sector to enviable height, saying the responsibility should not be left in the hands of government alone
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa made the appeal at the official commissioning of multi-million Naira Senate building, donated by legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Wole Olanipekun, to Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti.
According to the Minister, Olanipekun, a leading lawyer and former National President of the Nigeran Bar Association had overtime being a shining example of committed Nigerians, showing unrelenting interest in the development of the education sector.
He said the current appointment of Olanipekun, as the Pro-Chan ellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Lagos, aptly agreed with his love for educational development of the country.
” The Senate Building, donated by Chief Wole Olanipekun , and which we commission today, will play a crucial role in making current government’s 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.
” 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 said.
Continuing, the minister said, ” Our society thrives when we come together to invest in our collective wellbeing and empower future generations.
” Indeed, let this moment serve as a clarion call for all, to support our educational institutions and ensure our youth have the best opportunities to excel.
” We are blessed to have a vibrant youth population that we must, as a nation, educate, to become better citizens, and contribute to grow our economy.
” Together, under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, let us continue to build a future where every Nigerian child has the chance to fulfill their potentials as Nigerians, to achieve their fullest potential.
” This is Mr. President’s promise to Nigerians, which, with the cooperation of all stakeholders, will be kept”.
Olanipekun, in his speech, said he derived pleasure in adding value to the lives of others, especially institutions, that are saddled with the responsibility of impacting knowledge.
He promised to continue in that line of action, even as he pledged to continually make himself available for further philanthropic activities.
Speaking, while commissioning the building, Ekiti Governor, Biodun Oyebanji said the state government recognised and appreciated the leading roles the duo of Olanipekun and other legal icon and elder statesman, Afe Babalola had been playing in taking Ekiti to a place of reckoning globally, saying the state would have been better off, if such great personalities existed in all the 16 Local Governments.
The governor commended Olanipekun’s relentless acts of generosity and devotion to community development, which he said, had spanned decades.
The governor, who promised to furnish the building, as well as carry out a 5-kilometre road network within the university community, said, ” This latest achievement by Chief Wole Olanipekun is a major landmark, and a new height in your enviable record as a generous philanthropist and committed leader.
Earlier in a welcome address, the University’s Pro -Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of BOUESTI, Prof. Patrick Oladipo Aina, lauded the efforts of Olanipekun at raising the bar of the university, where he is currently the Chancellor, promising that the Senate building he donated, would be jealously guarded and protected.
He also lauded Gov Oyebanji for all of his kind gestures to the university.