FUL Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Akinwumi, Establishes Education Foundation for Late Dr. Kemi’s Children, Donates ₦1 Million Seed Fund

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, has announced a personal donation of ₦1 million as seed money to establish an education foundation in honour of the late Dr. Oluwakemi Mercy Emmanuel-Olowonubi, a senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and former Deputy Dean of Student Affairs.

Professor Akinwumi made the announcement on Friday during the burial ceremony of the late academic, who tragically lost her life in a trailer accident along the Crusher/Felele Road on October 22, 2025.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the fund would serve as the foundation’s starting capital to support the education of Dr. Kemi’s children, ensuring that their academic progress is not hindered by their mother’s untimely death. He further pledged to make additional contributions periodically and revealed that the foundation’s board would include representatives from the University and the deceased’s family.

Professor Akinwumi clarified that the ₦1 million donation was his personal contribution, independent of the University’s official welfare provisions for families of deceased staff, which would continue to be managed administratively in accordance with institutional policy.

Paying tribute to the deceased, the Vice-Chancellor described her passing as a “great shock and a corporate loss” to the University community, noting her dedication, warmth, and exemplary service to both students and colleagues.

He expressed deep sympathy to the family and colleagues of the late academic, urging them to find comfort in the impactful legacy she left behind.

The emotional ceremony was attended by members of the University Management, academic and non-academic staff, students, friends, and relatives, who all paid heartfelt tributes to the late Dr. Kemi for her passion, commitment, and contributions to the growth of the institution.