Foundation donates multi-million naira laboratory to OAU

As part of its commitment to fostering education and innovation, the Tosin Eniolorunda Foundation has completed the renovation and upgrading of the Mechanical Engineering Department laboratory at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) into a world-class Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) facility.

The project, facilitated by a co-founder of Moniepoint and an alumnus of the department, Tosin Eniolorunda, was commissioned by the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Simeon Bamire, on Friday at the Faculty of Engineering Technology.

The laboratory, named Tosin Eniolorunda CAD/CAM, was renovated and upgraded with world-class equipment by the firm to strengthen Nigerian students’ interest in this critical area of science and technology.

The facility aims to make subjects such as prototyping, design, and engineering more accessible, participatory, and enjoyable.

Speaking at the commissioning event, Prof. Bamire disclosed that the university and others in the country might not be able to acquire such sophisticated facilities without the gesture of alumni like Eniolorunda due to a paucity of funds.

The VC said: “We are really very grateful for this laboratory, considering that we are almost phasing out some of these things as a result of a lack of funds. This has to do with the yearnings that will also improve the livelihoods of our people, especially the students.

“So when we have an organization that has come in to meet our needs, we can only say thank you. This laboratory will help improve and enhance a lot of things within the university for students and staff and also drive collaboration between academia and industry.”

In his remarks, Eniolorunda described the lab as more than just a technological upgrade but a catalyst for innovation, intended to inspire future engineers to think creatively and solve real-world problems.

He expressed his foundation’s commitment to fostering a new generation of innovators who will drive Nigeria’s economic growth.

The renovation includes high-performance desktop computers and laptops, interactive electronic boards, advanced cooling systems, and sustainable power solutions. With these resources, the lab bridges the gap between theory and practice, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in mechanical engineering and related fields.

“This newly revamped laboratory represents more than just an upgrade. It stands as part of a personal commitment to foster a generation of engineers and innovators who are not only skilled but also inspired to think critically and creatively about real-world problems. It is a catalyst for innovation for the next generation of engineers and technologists who will drive Nigeria’s economic growth and advancement. By investing in STEM education and providing access to platforms like this laboratory, we’re laying the critical rails for the emergence of leaders, innovators, and changemakers that Nigeria needs,” he said.

“The upgrade includes the renovation of the existing laboratory space with cutting-edge facilities, including the provision of high-performance desktop computers and laptops, an electronic board for interactive learning, laboratory furniture, the supply and installation of sustainable power solutions, and advanced cooling systems. These state-of-the-art multi-million naira resources will provide students with hands-on experience in the latest CAD/CAM technologies, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of mechanical engineering.”