Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and former Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, has donated a state-of-the-art auditorium to the Lagos State University (LASU), describing it as a legacy project to advance education and support public institutions.

Bello explained that his journey of giving back started at his 50th birthday in 2011 when he instituted annual scholarships in five disciplines for brilliant but indigent students from Lagos State. As his 60th birthday approached, he decided to do more and embraced the idea, first suggested by his wife, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, to build an auditorium for LASU.

He recalled that the project initially seemed impossible due to high construction costs, but friends and well-wishers rallied to support him, with some converting birthday gifts into financial contributions. One notable supporter, he said, opted to donate cash instead of presenting him a luxury vehicle.

Construction began in 2021 but was later threatened by inflation and the sharp fall of the naira in 2023, which nearly tripled material costs. To keep the project alive, Bello disclosed that he sold his Magodo property to ensure the work was not abandoned.

Despite the hurdles, the facility was successfully completed after three years. Bello said the auditorium represents faith, resilience, and his belief that investment in education offers the best returns.

He announced additional support measures, including free WiFi access for students courtesy of VDT Communications, and a one-year private maintenance arrangement to ensure the facility is properly managed before LASU takes full control.

Bello urged students to make the best use of the new facility, quoting the words of Benjamin Franklin inscribed at the entrance: “Investment in education pays the best interest.” He encouraged them to embrace technology and strive for academic excellence.

He expressed gratitude to God and Lagos State, noting that he once benefited from the state’s scholarship scheme. He appealed to wealthy Nigerians to emulate such gestures by supporting public universities and helping to close infrastructural gaps.

The Multi-Purpose Auditorium featuring a fully furnished 500-seater hall was commissioned on Wednesday by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos State University (LASU), Epe Campus. The construction of the complex began in 2021, when Tunji Bello turned 60. Instead of celebrating the milestone with a traditional party, he opted to channel resources into the meaningful project, encouraging friends and well-wishers to contribute funds towards the construction.

Olatunji Bello Auditorium is situated at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, LASU Epe Campus.