Dr. Gladys Makoju Visits Federal University Lokoja, Seeks Strategic Use of Endowment Funds

Dr. Gladys Adesuwa Makoju, on Thursday, 26th February, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, reaffirming her family’s commitment to the advancement of academic excellence and institutional development at the University.

During the visit, Dr. Makoju expressed her desire that the endowment funds generously donated by her family be strategically utilized to support academic awards for outstanding students, promote cutting-edge Ph.D. research, and strengthen the marketing and visibility of the University. She emphasized that these focus areas are critical to sustaining academic distinction and enhancing the University’s national and global profile.

In a further demonstration of enduring support, Dr. Adesuwa reiterated that her family would continue to take full responsibility for the maintenance of the 250-seater Makoju Lecture Theatre, donated in memory of her late husband and her late son. The facility stands as a lasting tribute to their legacy and as a symbol of the family’s dedication to education and community development.

The Vice-Chancellor warmly welcomed Dr. Adesuwa Makoju and commended her family’s sustained generosity and partnership with the University. He assured her that the institution remains committed to transparent and impactful utilization of the endowment funds in line with her vision.

The Vice-Chancellor also pledged the University’s continued commitment to the annual Makoju Memorial Public Lecture, confirming that preparations are underway for this year’s edition. He noted that a distinguished personality would be invited to deliver the lecture, further enriching the intellectual culture of the University.

After her brief meeting with the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Gladys Makoju paid a visit to Nike Art Gallery, Workshop, and Training Center, located at the Federal University Lokoja main campus, where she toured the newly commissioned arts center, admiring the colourful and beautifully displayed artistic works at the facility, which she described as unique and extraordinary.

In her reviews after the inspection, the matriarch of Makoju's family, greatly impressed that such a magnificent edifice now exists in Kogi State with creative arts conspicuously displayed, commended Chief (Mrs) Nike Okundaye for her generosity in donating such a masterpiece to the University to further immortalise her legacy.

Dr. Gladys Makoju described Chief Nike as a great woman and philanthropist who is not only endowed by God but also knows how to create lasting legacies that will outlive her, as shown by the way she effectively deploys her gifting. She admitted that though she has not met Nike physically, her contributions to promoting indigenous arts and African culture, which are visible in the media, are truly inspiring.

While congratulating Fr. Paul-kolade Tubi (PhD), the Coordinator of the project and Director of the Center, for attracting and supporting the donor to actualize her vision, Dr. Gladys Makoju equally commended him for promoting creativity among young artists and ensuring sustainability.

Dr. Gladys Makoju noted that she looked forward to seeing works from older Nigerian artists equally showcased at the University art gallery to complement the contemporary ones, adding that the center would add more value to Federal University Lokoja and further project the University globally.