Nigerian billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Femi Otedola, has supported Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Lagos State, with an additional N500 million donation to fast-track ongoing infrastructural projects and accelerate the completion of the university’s Faculty of Engineering complex.
Otedola made the announcement of the donation on Thursday, during the institution’s 7th convocation ceremony, which also marked its 10th anniversary.
Recall that Otedola, during the 6th convocation ceremony of the University, announced a donation of N3.7bn for the construction of a new engineering building.
The 7th convocation of the University attracted dignitaries, religious leaders, government officials and members of the academic community to honour 148 graduating students and reflect on the university’s decade-long journey of faith, knowledge and character formation.
The event’s theme: ‘AUI @ 10: Fulfilling the Mandate of Providing Integral University Education for a Borderless World,’ captured the institution’s philosophy of producing globally competent graduates who embody integrity, discipline, and a strong moral compass.
In his address, Otedola, who serves as Chancellor of Augustine University, reaffirmed his commitment to the institution’s growth and to the completion of the Faculty of Engineering complex, named after his mother, Dame Doja Otedola.
He explained that the rising cost of construction due to inflation had slowed progress on the existing project, which is now estimated at N4billion. He, therefore, presented a N500 million cheque to the contractor to fast-track completion before the 2026 convocation ceremony.
‘Augustine University has come a long way in just ten years. We started with a vision, and today, we are witnessing the fulfilment of that dream, an institution that produces graduates who combine knowledge with strong moral character. This donation is a reaffirmation of my personal commitment to the success of Augustine University and the ideals it stands for,’ Otedola said.
A total of 148 students graduated from various faculties, with 22 earning First-Class Honours, 57 Second Class Upper, 57 Second Class Lower, and 12 Third Class degrees, while 21 students received diplomas. The Best Graduating Student, Miss Annie Ifeoluwa Adeyera, earned a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.90 in Biochemistry.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Professor Anthony Alaba Akinwale, OP, celebrated Augustine University’s achievements over the past decade, including the promotion of the institution’s first two home-grown professors, Professor Grace Evbuomwan and Professor Adelodun Kolapo. He highlighted ongoing projects in the University, including the development of new hostels, laboratories, and digital facilities, describing them as part of the university’s mission to create a borderless learning environment.
Fr. Akinwale, also, used the occasion to challenge the graduating students to contribute to national development rather than join the migration wave. ‘The difficult task of building Nigeria is in our hands,’ he declared. ‘You have been trained not to flee but to transform this nation with the knowledge, faith, and character you have acquired here.’