From left, Vice Chancellor, Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Prof. Prof Olasebikan Fakolujo; General Superintendent, Pastor EO Adejobi; President, CAC Nigeria & Overseas, Pastor Samuel Oladele; the donor and Chairman, NAHCO Plc, Dr Seinde Oladapo Fadeni, his wife, Mrs. Ebundola Fadeni and the General Evangelist, CAC, Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji, during the cutting of tape to declare the Library open.
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
In a giant stride aimed at boosting tertiary education, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, Dr. Seinde Oladapo Fadeni, has donated a multi-million naira library block to the Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji – Arakeji, Osun State.
The three-storey building, reported to be the biggest structure on campus, is to cater for the library needs of all departments in the school.
Speaking at the handover of keys of the Library to the President, CAC Nigeria & Overseas, Pastor Samuel Oladele, a the weekend, Dr. Fadeni said tertiary education remains paramount and as such, students be assisted to learn especially with the high level of distractions in the modern world.
He stated: “The students don’t want to read anymore; and you can’t really blame them. In someone’s phone alone, you can find about ten social media apps.
The world is becoming something else. But those who are ready to read, who are ready to study and to focus, we should assist them in achieving what they want to achieve.”
The NAHCO Chairman further promised to make the library conducive and equipped as a modern learning facility for all cadres of students from undergraduate to doctorate levels.
Fadeni assured the CAC hierarchy including the President, Oladele; Pastor E O Adejobi, the General Superintendent and Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji, the General Evangelist, all present at the occasion, that he would still do more than just donate the building.
He declared: “The physical body is there. I have given you my word; by the grace of God, whatever is supposed to be in a modern library, the computers, the shelves, and other things would be provided.”
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Olasebikan Alade Fakolujo, extolled the virtues of the NAHCO Chairman pointing out that such acts of kindness and generosity that Dr. Fadeni exhibited exemplify his commitment to education and societal progress.
The VC said, “Today, we have this magnificent edifice, which stands out of all the structures on campus and compares favourably with some of the best library building in the first – generation universities in Nigeria, as fulfilment of the promise made by the donor. The Dr Seinde Oladapo Fadeni Library is a multi-million naira three-storey building which at this particular time is praiseworthy. The gesture is dear to us as a university community.”
Fakolujo pointed out that there was no iota of doubt that one of the critical challenges facing Nigeria today is the lack of modern library facilities that support development and strengthen the country’s university education system.
He noted that by investing in a library for Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Dr. Fadeni is indirectly also contributing to the strengthening of not only the country’s university system, but also the very bedrock of nation building.
Dr Fadeni was accompanied to the event by his wife, Mrs. Ebundola Fadeni, his sister, Mrs. Funmilayo Olowogunle and Director, International Business & Corporate Services, NAHCO Plc, Dr. Sola Obabori.
The full array of the leadership of Christ Apostolic Church, owner of JABU present at the occasion, in addition to the President, the General Superintendent and the General Secretary, includes the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Joash Amupitan.
Others are the General Secretary, Pastor EA Mapur; the Regional Superintendent, Pastor GO Obiwale and the University’s Registrar, Mr. Dapo Ajayi.
