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By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
The General Overseer of Christ Royal Family International Church, Bishop Tom Samson, has officially commissioned Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State.
He also awarded full scholarships to five students. The university, which commenced academic activities in September, was unveiled recently at its permanent campus in December 2025.
In her address, the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who represented the state governor, described the occasion as a “double celebration of life and legacy,” noting that her first interaction with Bishop Tom Samson was when he sought government support for land acquisition for the university.
“At the time, I had never heard of Monarch University, but his passion, conviction, and commitment to education struck me. When he spoke about impacting the future through education, I knew he was someone worth supporting,” she said.
She added that the vision behind Monarch University was neither casual nor fleeting, but one carefully nurtured and pursued with patience and discipline.
According to her, the establishment of Monarch University expands the Bishop’s long-standing commitment to societal progress.
“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for societal development. It shapes character, roles, and leadership. Monarch University stands as a centre for learning, development, and human capital formation,” she said.
The deputy governor congratulated the university community and expressed the Ogun State Government’s readiness to partner with the initiatives that align with its development agenda.
She further remarked that at 60, Bishop Samson was not merely marking the passage of time, but celebrating a milestone in a journey that will impact future generations.
Earlier in his address, Bishop Samson thanked those who graced the occasion, adding that they have added colour to the event. He disclosed that the accreditation of the Monarch University is a pending assignment.
According to him, the Tom Samson Foundation for now has many pupils/students in all arms of educational sector within and outside Nigeria. “We are determined to touch and liberate as many souls in their thousands in the years ahead because when you touch people, you are entrenching virtues of a virile society.”
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Monarch University, Prof. Olugbemisola Mopelola Omoegun, called on the Federal Government to improve teachers’ welfare and encourage professionals to work in areas aligned with their training.
She lamented that many graduates of education are discouraged from practising due to poor remuneration and lack of recognition, adding that the misplacement of professionals in leadership roles has contributed to the decline in educational standards.
Prof. Omoegun, a seasoned educationist with over 50 years of experience across primary, secondary, and tertiary education, was a former Dean, Faculty of Education at the University of Lagos and also pioneer Dean of Education at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo. She was appointed VC of the university after her retirement.
Delivering the sermon, Pastor Matthew Oshimolowo described Bishop Samson as a pace-setter, visionary, and pioneer, adding,“ A pacesetter sees tomorrow while others are celebrating today. Bishop Samson chose not to complain about the state of education in Nigeria but decided to be part of the solution.”
He predicted that many students would come to Monarch University from all parts of the world.
One of the scholarship beneficiaries, Favour Paul, an 18-year-old awaiting JAMB candidate, expressed gratitude for the unexpected opportunity. A former student of BoldStar School, Lekki-Epe, completed her secondary education with outstanding results and had been praying for a scholarship due to her family’s financial challenges.
“I never expected this. I was preparing to start JAMB lessons when the scholarship came. I feel happy and surprised at the same time,” she said tearfully.
Other beneficiaries included Serena Olumuyiwa, 9, a primary five pupil of Super Natural Smith Kids School, Command; Siju Samson; Onyeka Solomon, 11, a JSS 1 student of Silva Fountain College, Akowonjo; and Jimoh Opeyemi, 15, an SSS 2 student of Sha-Sha County High School, Akowonjo.
Bishop Samson explained that the scholarship would cover their education at Monarch University from 100 level until graduation.
Mrs. Shine Sylvia Eni, praised the Bishop for his generosity and commitment to youth development.
The event was also attended by former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro; Apostle Lawrence Achudume; Oba Abdul Kabir Adeyemi Obalanlege; (Lanlege Ekun 11), the Olota of Paramount Ottaland, Awori Kingdom; Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Olusola Adebowale Idris-Osolo, the Olofin of Ado-Odo, Aworiland, and Oba Samuel Ojugbele, the Onilogbo of Ilogbo Asowo, Otta, Aworiland; the Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government and university administrators.
