OAU Ex-student Donates N20m Sports Facility, As VC Preaches Maintenance Culture

The Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Simeon Bamire, has urged Nigerians to develop the habit of maintaining public facilities to avoid wasting resources.

He made the call on Thursday during the commissioning of a N20 million volleyball and basketball court donated to the Awolowo Hall of Residence by the Omotayo Adegboye Foundation.

Prof. Bamire praised the donor, Mr. Omotayo Adegboye—a UK-based lawyer and former OAU student—for giving back to his alma mater. He also advised students who will use the facility to take good care of it so it can last long.

“Yes, maintenance is key. We need to build that culture. Students and staff must ensure they maintain this new court so that whenever the donor visits, he’ll be encouraged to do more—and others will be inspired to follow his example,” the VC said.

He added that the new sports facility would not only benefit students but also staff who may want to play volleyball or basketball.

In his remarks, Adegboye explained that the project was originally estimated to cost N6 million but eventually rose to nearly N20 million to achieve the desired quality. He urged students to make good use of the facility to encourage more support from well-meaning individuals.

Earlier in February 2025, the Omotayo Adegboye Foundation had donated N11 million to support 106 indigent OAU students. Each beneficiary received N100,000, with the foundation promising to make it a yearly initiative.

Adegboye said the idea came from his father’s advice to always cultivate the spirit of giving, no matter how little.

“OAU is my alma mater. I studied Accounting here and even served as the departmental president. Each time I visit, I think of what I can do to give back,” he said.

Prof. Bamire thanked Adegboye once again for his generosity, describing his efforts as a blessing not just to the students, but also to their parents, lecturers, and the entire university community.