New Dawn for Educational Excellence and Research with Inauguration of Board of Trustees for Prof. R.A.B. Endowment Trust Fund (PRABET
The Board of Trustees of Professor Rahamon Adisa Bello Endowment Trust Fund, University of Lagos (PRABETFUL) has been officially inaugurated at the Office of Advancement, UNILAG. The Trust Fund, spearheaded by the 11th Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Rahamon Adisa Bello, marks a bold step in sustaining educational excellence and advancing African studies.
Speaking at the brief ceremony held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the Chairman of the Board, Engr. Afolabi O. F. Oladele, noted that the Fund was set up to advance knowledge in African studies. He highlighted that comparatively little has been done to document or acknowledge Africa’s contributions to civilization, and stressed that the initiative presents a unique opportunity to tell the African story from an African perspective.
The visionary behind the endowment, Prof. Rahamon Adisa Bello, FAEng shared that the idea was birthed at his 70th birthday and retirement celebration. He revealed that proceeds from books published in his honour have been channelled to fund the endowment, creating a unified structure for continued academic growth.
Inaugurating the PRABETFUL Board of Trustees, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola OON, FAS, lauded the initiative as a fulfilment of Prof. Bello’s longstanding vision for the Institute of Africa and Diaspora Studies (IADS), and recognition of the work coming out of the Institute. She applauded the evolution of IADS from a modest collaboration between UNILAG and the University of the West Indies into a powerhouse of scholarship and cultural preservation.
The newly inaugurated Board of Trustees comprises dedicated individuals, all committed to transparency, integrity, and impactful decision-making in the fund’s operations. They are:
1. Engr. Afolabi O.F. Oladele Chairperson
2. Prof. F. Afolabi Lesi Vice-Chairperson
3. Alhaji Babatunde Dabiri Member
4. Dr. Lateef Alani Odekunle Member
5. Prof. ‘Muyiwa Falaiye Member
6. Prof. Ismail Ibraheem Member
7. Dr. Rasheed Oluseun Bello Member
8. Arc. Hakeem Abiodun Bello Member
9. Mr. Afeez Abidemi Bello Member
10. Mrs. Monsurat Tolulope Adeyemo Member
11. Mr. Michael Uwakwe Member/Registrar’s Rep
12. Mrs. Adebimpe Oroleke Member/Bursar’s Rep
13. Director, Institute of African & Diaspora Studies Member
14. Prof. S.A. Okunuga Member
15. Prof. Oyinlola Oduyebo Member
16. Director, Office of Advancement Member/Secretary
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