James Hope University VC Donates Economics Textbooks to AFUED

The President and Vice-Chancellor of James Hope University (JHU), Lagos, Prof. Olu Akinkugbe, has donated several copies of Economics textbooks to the Department of Economics, Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo.

The donation, described as the first of its kind since the institution’s transformation from Adeyemi College of Education (ACE) to Adeyemi Federal University of Education, took place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the University.

Receiving the donor on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of AFUED, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ireti Folasade Alao, expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as thoughtful and timely.

She noted that the donation would be of immense value to the Department of Economics, particularly in its preparations for the accreditation process.

“I know AFUED is not new to you and it has a place in your heart. We know you today, and we know you for good. I pray that Almighty God will make your tenure as the Vice-Chancellor of JHU successful. You will never lack,” she said.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of James Hope University, Prof. Olu Akinkugbe, explained that the donation was motivated by his belief in the importance of providing students with access to quality learning materials.

“I am here today to donate a small collection of economics textbooks to your department. These are not just books; they are tools. They are bridges to understanding the complex world of markets, policies, and human behaviour,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of quality education to effective learning, Prof. Akinkugbe said it should be given adequate consideration by all stakeholders in the education sector to ensure that it does not become a barrier to students’ academic excellence.

“Whether you are studying microeconomics, macroeconomics, or development economics, I hope these texts will challenge you, inspire you, and equip you for the future,” he remarked.

The JHU Vice-Chancellor also advocated a review of teaching methods in Economics, stressing that an effective Economics teacher should go beyond explaining supply and demand curves.

According to him, “a great economics teacher does more than explain supply and demand curves, but also opens minds, stimulates curiosity and helps students understand the forces shaping their everyday lives from the price of garri to the stability of the naira.”

While commending those who contributed to the transformation of the institution from a College of Education to a University, Prof. Akinkugbe expressed his readiness to collaborate with AFUED in areas of academic research, scholarships and other initiatives that could benefit the Department, Faculty and the University at large.

In his welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, AFUED, Prof. Tope Rufus Oziegbe, thanked the donor for his generosity and described the visit as a welcome development.

“We have heard a lot about you. We are happy to meet you formally. I want to sincerely appreciate you, on behalf of the University’s Management, for your generosity towards the institution,” he said.

Similarly, the Head of the Department of Economics, AFUED, Dr. Akinwumi Sarimakin, appreciated Prof. Akinkugbe for strengthening the capacity of the Department through the donation of internationally standard textbooks.

He said the contribution to the Department and AFUED at large would not be forgotten.

In his closing remarks, the Acting Dean of Degree Studies, AFUED, Associate Professor Rogers Adebayo Akinsokeji, welcomed Prof. Akinkugbe back to what he described as his home.

He noted that the Vice-Chancellor’s excitement over the transformation of the institution from an NCE-awarding college into a university demonstrated his love for the progress of the institution.

“We thought your donation would be just three or five books, but here we are with boxes loaded with current economics textbooks of international standard. We thank you, sir, that this is happening in our time. This is the first of its kind in the institution,” he said.

On behalf of the first democratically elected Dean of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, the Head of the Department of Economics, lecturers and students, Prof. Akinsokeji expressed appreciation to the donor and expressed hope that the gesture would mark the beginning of a stronger relationship between James Hope University and AFUED.

He also expressed the Department’s willingness to explore further academic collaboration with James Hope University.

The highpoint of the brief ceremony was the presentation of the donated books to the Department of Economics and the presentation of gifts to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, and his Deputy, Prof. Ireti Folasade Alao.

The event, which took place at the Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s office, AFUED, was attended by two principal officers of the institution: the Registrar, Mrs. Olufisayo Fakorede, and the Bursar, Mrs. Taiwo Adedoyin.

Other attendees included lecturers and students from the Department of Economics, AFUED.