Femi Otedola, Chancellor of Augustine University Pledges Additional N3.7 Billion for Engineering Faculty Expansion

In a significant display of commitment to educational development, the Chancellor of Augustine University, Mr. Femi Otedola, has donated N3.7 billion towards the construction of an Engineering Faculty building at the institution. This donation marks the second phase of Otedola's promise to establish a world-class engineering faculty at Augustine University, following an earlier contribution in 2023 that also amounted to billions of naira.

The announcement was made during the sixth convocation ceremony of the university, where Otedola expressed satisfaction with the completion of the first phase of the project and pledged to have the second phase completed within the next 12 months. In addition to his ongoing support for infrastructure, Otedola also supplemented the tuition fees for all students in the university, contributing an additional N1 million per student.

Addressing the graduating class, Otedola urged them to view education as a tool for societal betterment rather than solely for personal gain. "Character is as important as knowledge. Your degree is not just a symbol of your academic achievements – it is a testament to your commitment to learning and to living a life of integrity," he said. He encouraged the graduates to uphold values of compassion and integrity in their future endeavors, reminding them that the world needs leaders with a strong moral compass to solve problems and improve lives.

Also speaking at the event, the Catholic Bishop of Lagos Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, emphasized Augustine University’s commitment to holistic education. "In our fast-paced world, education often revolves around knowledge acquisition, but as a Catholic university, we recognize that it is about forming individuals who are morally grounded and spiritually enriched," he stated, reiterating the university’s mission to develop well-rounded graduates.

The Vice-Chancellor of Augustine University, Prof. Christopher Odetunde, extended his gratitude to Otedola and other benefactors, including Chief Stephen Bakare, who funded the Faculty of Law Complex. He also acknowledged the contributions from members of the Church of Assumption, Falomo, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, who are financing new hostel facilities for students.

The convocation lecture, delivered by Dr. Peter Bamkole, focused on "Rethinking Economic Rebirth in Nigeria through Youth Entrepreneurship." Dr. Bamkole emphasized the importance of equipping Nigerian youth with skills that distinguish them in the labor market, underscoring the role of entrepreneurship in fostering economic growth.

With Otedola's continued support and a vision centered on character and competence, Augustine University is poised to make a lasting impact in the Nigerian educational landscape.