In a powerful show of unity and purpose, the pioneer alumni of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), formerly known as Ogun State University (OSU), gathered in Lagos for a historic reunion—39 years after their graduation. The event, hosted under the aegis of the Ogun State University Pioneers Alumni Association (OSUPA), marked the unveiling of a N20 billion endowment fund to support the transformation of the university into a world-class institution.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof Oluwatoyin Ashiru, who chaired the event, announced the ambitious initiative as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the university’s first graduating set. He described the endowment as a long-term financial reservoir intended to fund academic programmes, scholarships, equipment procurement, research, innovation centres, and general campus development.
Ashiru urged the alumni—many of whom traveled from across Nigeria and abroad—to be the first to contribute to the fund. “See your donation as a great seed planted to grow a pool that creates a legacy that lives forever,” he said.
To ensure transparency and impact, he explained that a committee comprising representatives from the university’s governing council, management, senate, alumni association, and development foundation would be set up to drive the initiative.
Prof Ashiru celebrated the determination and resilience of the pioneer alumni, many of whom overcame significant challenges during their time as students. “It is more than a reunion party. It is a celebration of courage, resilience, grit, grace, friendship, success, and the glorious OSU pioneering spirit.
“You are indeed a unique class, trailblazers who built the foundation of OSU/OOU when there was virtually nothing – no campus, no fence, no classrooms, barely enough lecturers – just raw determination.
“Yet, look at you today—renowned medical consultants, senior advocates, statesmen, professors, engineers, obas, CEOs, clergies, politicians, successful entrepreneurs and so forth, turning adversity into achievements.”
Highlighting some of the university’s recent strides, he noted that OOU currently runs 18 academic programmes, operates on a stable academic calendar, prioritizes staff and student welfare, and issues certificates and transcripts on convocation day. “This is a rare development in the history of Nigerian university education,” he said, adding that it underscores the commitment of the current leadership to global standards.
In a touching gesture, Ashiru also announced the full settlement of outstanding entitlements owed to the late former Vice-Chancellor and alumnus, Prof Adewale Areola Olaitan. He stated that the university’s governing council had also officially pardoned him for an unspecified past issue, calling the decision a “symbolic act of closure and honour.”
Earlier, in her welcome address, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olotu, chairperson of the alumni group and former Port Manager of Apapa Port, expressed deep gratitude to God for the lives and achievements of her fellow pioneers.
She recalled their days as students trekking long distances to off-campus lecture venues. “That experience plus the kind of quality training we received then really prepared us well for life after graduation. And today, we are thanking God for making us who we are in our respective fields,” she said.
Mrs. Olotu noted that the alumni group was officially formed four years ago and has since actively supported both the university and its members. She commended the dedication and unity of her colleagues, promising that the group would continue to give back.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of excellence awards to no fewer than 67 members and associates of the university, including nine posthumous recipients.
They included the Vice–Chancellor of TASUED, Ijagun Ijebu-Ode, Prof Oluwole Banjo; Dr Adesina Adesanya, an Australian-based psychiatrist; Mr. Peter Oladipo Abayomi, an Assistant Inspector General of Police; Prof Lawrence Akinsanmi, a medical consultant; Mr. Babatunde Oduwaye; Lady Ibilola Akinwunmi, an entrepreneur; Mrs. Abimbola Daisi-Daini, a banker; Mrs. Ayodele Omotara, a lawyer; Dr. Olufemi Odutayo, a medical doctor; Mrs. Oluyinka Shokunbi, a media practitioner and secretary of the group; Olori Folasade Sogaolu; HRH Oba Abdullahi Olatoye Raheem, the Olu of Sode Onikoyi I; Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olotu, chairperson of the group; Prof Olubi Sodipo, a pioneer VC of the university; High Chief Olumide Akoni; Pastor Gbenga Taiwo; Prof Oladipo Olubomehin; Dr(Mrs) Taiwo Oyeleye; Rev’d Oluwamuyiwa Okuseinde; Iya Afin Kemi Somoye; Bishop Taiwo Kuku; Chief (Mrs.) Olayide Soyinka; Dr Femi Akinlabi; Mr. Tayo Lekuti; Mr. Femi Sobogun as well as Prof Oluwatoyin Ashiru, pro-chairman of the university and so forth.
Those who bagged the posthumous awards were the pioneer alumnus VC of the university, Prof Adewale Areola Olaitan; Mr. Adewale Odundoyin, a school proprietor; Dr Adeboye Yusuf, former director of Audit at TASUED; Olusegun Oduyemi, former Regional Finance Director (East) Texaco Nigeria; Alhaji Olawale Hassan, a chartered auditor; Otunba Olutola Olusanya, a chartered tax expert; Dr Olodeoku Olayinka; Dr Adetokunbo Oshin; as well as Ayodele Fasanya.
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