Olanipekun rallies support for Crowther varsity, donates VC’s lodge

In a bid to upgrade facilities within the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has donated an ultra-modern lodge for the vice chancellor of the university.

According to donor of the facility, the decision to erect the building was borne out of the desire to make the vice chancellor’s lodge habitable saying, “Upon assumption of duty as pro-chancellor/chairman of council of this citadel of knowledge, I set about familiarising myself with the university and it’s attendant issues, paying close and particular attention to its essential developmental needs, with a view to executing my stratagem for the institution.

“It was thus shocking and perplexing for me to discover that the VC had no residence conducive for habitation, where he could receive guests, lay his head, commune with his family or even recuperate, while diligently applying himself to his duties.

“As a matter of fact, what was available to the VC was a rickety bungalow constructed for the principal of St. Andrews College, built over 100 years ago, consisting of a bedroom and one sitting room. It was as a result of this pitiable situation, which moved us to sympathise and empathise with the VC in particular, and the university in general, that prompted the decision of my wife and my self to build, furnish and donate a befitting VC lodge to the university.”

The lawyer, while appreciating those who had made contributions towards the upliftment of the university, called on others to join him in making the school a citadel of knowledge, where leaders of tomorrow would be nurtured and groomed.

Oyo State Governor Senator Abiola Ajimobi, commissioned the structure, while the Dean Emeritus of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rev. Dr. Adebola Ademowo, dedicated the structure. The school is owned by the church.

Ajimobi, in his remarks, extolled the virtues of the donor, describing him as a symbol of intellectualism, patriotism, virtue and an icon of law in the country, just as he stressed the role of education in the nation’s development.

He said: “For me, education is structured information; it is knowledge and knowledge is skill. Skill is ability and ability is accountability, while accountability is empowerment. The only way we can empower this country is through sound education, with a befitting value system. I believe if other Nigerians can copy him (Olanipekun), we would go a long way,” he stated.

Ademowo in his remarks expressed appreciation to the donor and urged other wealthy Nigerians to apply their wealth to the service of humanity. “I thank you most sincerely for yourself and your wife for donating most generously, this edifice, befitting building and cynosure of all eyes. The money that you have spent, the Lord will replenish your pocket in many folds. You will never lack. You will have more than sufficient,” he prayed.

Vice chancellor of the university, Prof. Dapo Folorunsho Asaju, who assured that the institution is poised to raising godly intellectuals, thanked the Olanipekun’s for this gift and we know that God almighty would touch other people to donate too.

“First, it was the Alakija’s that gave to us Faculty of Law building that is worth over a billion naira. Chief Olanipekun never told us what it cost to erect this building. I tried to find out from the contractor and he said he has strict instruction never to let it out. We are so grateful. We give thanks to almighty God,” he declared. A representative of the proprietors, Rev. Michael Olu Akinyemi, who said Olanipekun has track record of good deeds, thanked him for the kind gesture.