By Elizabeth Osayande

In a major boost to its academic achievements and cutting-edge research initiatives, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State has secured a N500million endowment to establish a Professorial Chair in Ophthalmology.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, made the disclosure during the 34th Convocation Ceremonies for the 2023/2024 academic session held at the main campus, Ago-Iwoye, where graduands from seven faculties of the university were admitted to first degrees.

The Vice-Chancellor said the professorial endowment was generously made few days ago by a globally acclaimed consultant ophthalmic surgeon and Chief Medical Director, Eye Foundation Hospital Group, Dr. Adekunle Olubola Hassan.

The donor was conferred with a honorary degree of the university at the grand finale of the convocation ceremonies.

Prof. Agboola, who also said that the donor would commit another N500million to the establishment of the Institute of Eye Health, expressed delight that the donation would support OOU’s efforts to advance research and education in the field of eye care. 

He said: “The role of philanthropy cannot be overlooked. The generosity of the citizens of our state, our alumni, and well-meaning individuals has been vital to the advancement of our mission.”

“Philanthropic donations and support have allowed us to expand our infrastructure, enhance our research capabilities, and improve the overall learning environment. These contributions have made it possible to provide scholarships to deserving students, ensure that our facilities remain state-of-the-art, and create opportunities that would otherwise not have been possible.”

The Vice-Chancellor, who reported improved synergy between the university and the broader community, disclosed that an Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Engineering Centre would soon be built on its Main Campus in Ago-Iwoye. 

“In an attempt to further inspire students of the need to develop their creative ability,” he said “Management has approved the proposal by Nord Automobiles Limited, a Nigerian automotive manufacturer with headquarters in Lagos, to build an Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Engineering Centre on our Main Campus.”

“According to the Chairman/CEO, Ajayi Joshua Oluwatobi, who is an alumnus of the university, the Centre would serve as a hub for students to develop critical skills in engineering, business, and innovation, while also creating a pathway for them to transit into meaningful careers post-graduation,” he remarked. 

Prof. Agboola reported several strides recorded by the university during the academic session, saying the achievements had contributed significantly to realising his administration’s 3Es mantra – education, employability and entrepreneurship.

A total of 6,209 graduands, comprising 5,793 regular students and 416 part-time students, participated in the 34th Convocation Ceremonies with graduands drawn from the Faculties of Administration and Management Science; Agricultural Management and Rural Development; Agricultural Production and Renewable Resources; Clinical Sciences; Engineering; Environmental Studies and Science.