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With Funsho Arogundade
Blessed with a deep pocket, a large heart and even deeper passion for humanity, billionaire and philanthropist, Dr. Olatunji Olowolafe has over the years proved to be a pacesetter in terms of humanitarian gestures. The Chairman of Deux Projects Limited is one of those top Nigerian figures whose charm and connections enable them to cautiously command both political and economic power.
The well-trained medical doctor stopped practising medicine in 1988 to focus on private equity out of interest and has remained a huge success ever with him being listed among Nigeria’s richest. Yet, Olowolafe is one very silent billionaire people hardly get to hear much about. The only time the business magnate trends is when he’s giving to the cause of humanity.
For the Are Ekiti-born mogul, he’s dedicated to addressing Nigeria’s infrastructural gaps and human development. He believes it is far better and more gratifying to make a difference in the lives of the poor. Olowolafe believes that a life is meaningful only when it is lived in service to humanity. Over the years, this serial investor has always been guided by this philosophy. He does not wish to be respected for his wealth, but for the grace to impact on the lives of the people around him. And he has been giving and giving without looking back. One area that has enjoyed so much from his generosity is education. Olowolafe has supported many students across the country, with some beneficiaries going on to establish careers in different fields. His remarkable contributions to education, unwavering belief in the power of learning and several impactful initiatives have inspired many and created many changes. This devotion has earned him several recognitions including the prestigious appointment as the Chancellor of Ekiti State University on January 12, 2024 by the Visitor to the University, Governor Abiodun Oyebanji. The business magnate has already leveraged his status, networks, and personal resources to attract donations, endowments, and overall goodwill to the university.
Indeed, as Olowolafe’s dedication has continued to pave the way for brighter futures and stronger communities, his belief in the democratisation of education has equally fetched him another rare appointment as the pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of MIVA Open University.
Recently at the maiden convocation of the University held at the Wole Soyinka Centre (National Theatre) in Iganmu, Lagos, the calm and introspective Olowolafe had his investiture as the open learning institution’s first Pro-Chancellor. This recent appointment reflects a legacy of philanthropy, innovation, and transformative leadership in education.
Earlier this year, Olowolafe further advanced educational access with the launch of a ₦1 billion Gbemisola Olowolafe Scholarship – a five-year initiative that is already expanding access to quality education for over 1,000 MIVA students. To Olowolafe, education should not require students to rearrange their lives to fit outdated models. At MIVA, the philanthropist is poised to ensure that the institution redefines that approach. “As the first Pro-Chancellor of MIVA Open University, I take this responsibility seriously. It is an honour that I intend to earn every day. Our mission is clear: to ensure that this institution never has to compromise on quality or openness. We will achieve both and settle for nothing less. The work starts now,” Olowolafe promised.
