By Gabriel Dike
Chairman/founding father, DSE Foundation, Chief Tunde Fanimokun, has donated an ultramodern building worth about N4.5billion to the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS).
Currently, the School of Postgraduate Studies occupies a portion of a floor at the Faculty of Education.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the Fanimokun School of Postgraduate Studies building attracted prominent dignitaries including Chairman, Governing Council of UNILAG, Chief Wole Olanipekun, council members, Vice Chancellor, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, principal officers, a former VC, associates of Chief Fanimokun and a delegation from Yaba College of Technology.
In his remarks, Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Abraham Osinubi, described the occasion as historic when a vision becomes a reality, a dream taking form and a legacy being cemented in the annals of SPGS history.
His words: Today, we gather not just to break the ground for a building but to lay the foundation for a future of boundless possibilities, academic excellence, and transformative education.”
Osinubi disclosed that the groundbreaking ceremony signifies the dawn of a new era for the SPGS, which is made possible by Chief Fanimokun.
He recalled that the journey to the SPGS building started in 2023 when he promised his colleagues during the campaign for Dean’s position to facilitate the construction of an edifice for SPGS.
“The moment I assumed office, the dream became a mission. I began laying the groundwork, securing site allocation from the university management, collaborating with experts to create architectural and structural drawing and preparing a bill of quantities.
With relentless determination, I visualized every detail of the project. We even produced video renderings of the building’s interior, showcasing our vision during the annual SPGS lecture in September 2023,” Osinubi stated.
He said Chief Fanimokun has etched his name into the legacy of SPGS and UNILAG and that the ultramodern building would stand as a beacon of hope, a temple of knowledge, and a sanctuary where dreams are nurtured and destinies are shaped.
Osinubi assured the donor that SPGS would honour his legacy by ensuring the building becomes a cradle of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
The dean reminded his colleagues that the project is a clarion call to inspire them to redouble their efforts to deliver World-class postgraduate education, mentor with purpose, research with passion and lead with vision.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, said the central part of the vision of UNILAG is becoming a research-oriented university.
Ogunsola disclosed that the School of Postgraduate Studies is staying on a borrowed floor at the Faculty of Education.
She also revealed that there are many projects waiting for execution in UNILAG but no money to execute.
The VC acknowledged the vision of the dean to ensure the SPGS moved to a permanent building and with the groundbreaking ceremony, his dream is coming to fruition.
Prof. Ogunsola showered encomium on Chief Fanimokun for donating the ultramodern building to SPGS.
Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council Chairman of UNILAG, Chief Olanipekun, advised wealthy Nigerians to emulate Fanimokun’s gesture by supporting universities with facilities to boost learning and research.
According to him, the donor has written his name in Gold and in the annals of UNILAG history.
In his speech, Chief Fanimokun, said he has decided to devote his resources to support university education, especially entrepreneurship, to help students acquire skills.
Fanimokun mentioned that this year, he would visit some universities including his Alma mate, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, to them with infrastructural facilities.
He described education as key to national development and that he keyed into the late Chief WahabFolayiwo, who promoted entrepreneurs.
The donor said initially, he was requested to renovate a Language Laboratory worth N48million but now he has been requested to handle five projects that would cost over N10billion.
“Nigerian universities are going through difficult times. After supporting UNILAG, I will focus on OAU, my Alma mate. I need to give back to OAU. The university prepared me for what I am today,” he noted.
Chief Fanimokun, who worked with the late former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, promised to continue to support the administration of Prof. Ogunsola and that the projects he is executing in UNILAG are special.