Caverton boss remembers mother, donates ultra-modern hall to university

The Summit University recently benefitted from the philanthropist gesture of the CEO of Caverton Helicopters, Mr. Remi Makanjuola, when he and his family unveiled an ultra-modern lecture theatre in memory of their mother Alhaja Adiat Abegbe Makanjuola, in Offa, Kwara State.

It was a celebration of a life well spent with her commitment to God and humanity, when the son of late Alhaja Adiat Makanjuola and one of the most successful businessmen of his generation, Mr. Remi Makanjuola and his family members moved the entire Lagos crowd to Offa, Kwara State to immortalise his late mother.

The magnificent edifice stands tall among many buildings scattered in the newly established institution with a bold inscription, Alhaja Adiat Abegbe Makanjuola Lecture Theatre. That day, Friday January 26, 2018 was also significant because it marked the 11th anniversary of her demise. Her life ambition was to remain closely associated with Ansar-Ud-Deen Society and it was this conviction that motivated her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to support the faith-based University of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society with a Lecture Hall named after her in commemoration of her remembrance anniversary.

Founded in 2017, the Summit University, Offa, the University of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN), is a product of many years of painstaking planning and harnessing of human and material resources. Indeed, the society remains one of foremost religious organisations with impressive record in the provision of education for Nigerian students at primary, secondary and tertiary levels irrespective of their religious, ethnic, geographical and political affiliation.

Speaking at the event, the donor and son of the deceased, Mr. Remi Makanjuola, said the whole idea of erecting a lasting legacy started in March 2005 when his mother of blessed memory was conferred with a merit award by the Ansar-Ud-Deen- Society of Nigeria for her outstanding contributions to the society. At the ceremony, the plan to build the Summit University was unveiled and there, she was one of the very first few who donated N1million towards the establishment of the University. And, 13 years down the line, Makanjuola said he is happy that the vision has come into reality with its registration by the National University Commission, which led to commencement of academic programmes last year.

Talking glowingly about his late mother, Makanjuola said: “Looking at women here today actually reminds me of my mother. She always dressed the way you dress, seriously going to the Mosque, Thursday, and Sunday you would not always find our mother at home. She was committed to her God and humanity because she must be at Asalatu and everything the children want to so, Ansar-Ud-Deen comes first. She told us that even in death she would be an Ansar-Ud-Deen. So our coming here today is not by chance, it is because of what our mother had preached and what she wanted.”

Makanjuola enjoined other well-meaning Nigerians and philanthropists to join the train in moving the newly established university to the greater height and also promised to make the Summit University a prestigious university, not only in Nigeria, but globally too.

In a chat with journalists, one of the founders of the institution and National President of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, SAN said what prompted the society to float the school was the past antecedents of the society in establishing schools across the country from primary to secondary and college of education. The establishment of the university he said is the icing on the cake.

Corroborating Alhaji Femi Okunnu, Chairman Board of Trustees of Summit University, Dr. Musliu Smith, said the university is long overdue as the primary and secondary arms established close to a century ago had produced prominent people in the country. “It is better late than never. With all the facilities we are putting on ground, affordable tuition fee, the quality of teaching staff with the conducive environment, I am sure within the next few years you would see new things as our mantra is to provide excellent education for all.

Extolling the virtues of Makanjuola as a generous giver, the Vice-chancellor of the institution, Prof. Hussein Oloyede thanked the family for the important edifice, which has changed the landscape of the institution as a world-class academic environment.

“Mr. Remi Makanjuola is a person who is committed not only to his family, his mother, but the society at large, which we are one of the beneficiaries as an institution. His mother gave N1 million when the idea was first conceived and today his son and the entire children have sustained her legacy, setting the pace for others. We are grateful to the Makanjuola family. God will continue to reward him. This is a one major project and I hope it will open more doors.”

Shortly before the end of well-attended ceremony an award of recognition on behalf of the institution was presented to Mr. Remi Makanjuola. The event was rounded up by Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN who commended the management team of the University led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hussein for their prudence, accountability and uncommon commitment to high ideas.