UI Receives N10.5 Billion Benefactions, Honours Chief Tunde Fanimokun as UI@75 Ambassador Extraordinaire
The University of Ibadan (UI) has received a landmark N10.5 billion donation from Chief Tunde Fanimokun and his DSE Foundation to fund two major building projects and endow a Professorial Chair in Project Management.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The University of Ibadan (UI) has received a monumental N10.5 billion in benefactions, marking a significant milestone in its 75-year history. The benefactions, courtesy of Chief Tunde Fanimokun, Agbaakin, and his DSE Foundation, will support the construction of two iconic buildings: the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences building and the Faculty of Science Postgraduate Complex. Additionally, a Professorial Chair in Project Management has been endowed in honour of the late HRM Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Victoria Island, and Environs, Lagos.
The endowed Professorial Chair will be administered in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Project Management, further strengthening the university’s commitment to academic excellence and professional development.
Speaking at the event, UI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, expressed profound gratitude to Chief Fanimokun, describing him as a man with a heart of gold. He assured that the university would foster a sustainable partnership with the DSE Foundation to advance education and research.
In recognition of his generous contributions, Chief Tunde Fanimokun was decorated as a UI@75 Ambassador Extraordinaire by the Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu, fspsp. The honoree, who recently turned 80, stated that he chose to celebrate his milestone birthday by giving back to society, reflecting on his impactful career in public service and business.
Although he did not attend UI, Chief Fanimokun acknowledged the invaluable support he received from a group of UI professors during his tenure as the Permanent Secretary for Economic Development in Lagos State under the administration of the late Chief Lateef Jakande. His illustrious career saw him retire as a Permanent Secretary at the young age of 40 before serving as an Executive Director at Folawiyo Group of Companies for another four decades.
Reflecting on his journey, Chief Fanimokun emphasized the values of humility, honesty, and selfless service, which he credited for his successes. He established the DSE Foundation in 2012 to contribute to educational development and entrepreneurship, ensuring that future generations benefit from the opportunities he was privileged to receive.
