In a historic ceremony, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR Ojaja II, marked the beginning of a new era for his privately-owned Ojaja University in Eiyenkorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, by inaugurating members of the institution’s Governing Council and Board of Trustees at the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife.
The inauguration was a significant milestone for the university, as the prominent scholar and Professor at the Business School Netherlands International, Prof. Lere Baale, was appointed as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, while Engr. Yusuf Olanrewaju Sagaya, OFR, Zanna of Ilorin and head of the Sagaya dynasty, was named Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
This event not only marked the formal establishment of the university’s leadership but also signalled the Ooni of Ife’s commitment to providing quality education and promoting academic excellence in Nigeria.
In his address to the esteemed gathering of academics, professionals, and traditional rulers, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR Ojaja II, shared the inspiration behind his Ojaja University project, stating that his deep love for education, human development, and capacity building for Nigeria was the driving force behind this initiative.
He emphasized the importance of investing in education and academic excellence as a means of promoting sustainable growth and development in Nigeria.
The Ooni of Ife elaborated on the journey of the Ojaja University project, which originated from Crownhill University, founded by a patriotic Nigerian from the South South region, Engr. Morgan F. Akpan. After his own induction as Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ooni Ogunwusi joined the project, driven by the desire to ensure that it did not collapse and that the students and staff were protected.
The Ooni went on to stress that the Ojaja University project was not motivated by profit, but rather a legacy for future generations. He envisioned the institution to be a place of academic and moral excellence, where students would become not only well-educated but also globally-minded innovators, contributing to the development of Nigeria and the world.
“Founded by a patriotic Nigerian from the South South, Engr. Morgan F. Akpan, I became a part of this project which used to be Crownhill University a year after I was inducted as Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka. We pushed through many challenges which unveiled the capital intensiveness of the university business, so I took it upon myself to ensure that the structure does not collapse and innocent students and staff members do not suffer.
“Like in other parts of the world, the Ojaja University project is that of legacy and not for money-making. We are here to create a structure that will make us to produce valuable innovators who will not only be academically and morally sound but also globally great innovators.” The Ooni said.
Engr. Yusuf Olanrewaju Sagaya, OFR, the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees, recognized Ilorin as a hub for higher education, known for its numerous universities. He committed to lead the university’s Board of Trustees with a mission to make Ojaja University the best in town and across Nigeria.
”I profoundly appreciate this beautiful nomination by the Ooni of Ife, to serve as Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Ojaja University. By the grace of Almighty Allah, we shall together take this university to a great height.” Engr. Sagaya said.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of Ojaja university, Prof. Jeleel Ojuade explained that the inauguration of the university’s Council and Board of Trustees has provided a reliable structure for the actualization of the university’s goals and objectives.
“Undoubtedly, the individuals who have been appointed to the Board of Trustees and Governing Council are luminaries in their own rights as they are distinguished by their formidable careers and dedicated to excellence in various fields. This your appointment to these pivotal roles is not a reflection of your individual accomplishments but also to the immense trust that the Ooni of Ife, and indeed the entire university community, have in your ability to steer this institution towards its lofty goals.” The Vice Chancellor said.
In his acceptance speech, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council, Prof. Lere Baale pledged his readiness to add value to the university, explaining that the school will be structured to solve societal problems and offer innovative solutions to national issues.
“By the grace of God Almighty, we shall celebrate innovations through our students and graduates in coming years, we will uphold values and basis upon which the university educations stands as solution to societal problems. I thank the Ooni of Ife and the entire Ojaja University for finding me worthy of this appointment.” Prof. Baale said.
Other members of the university’s Governing Council are; the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jeleel Ojuade, Chief (Mrs.) Ronke Adeyemi, Dr. Lanre Shittu MD, Alhaji Ibrahim Indimi, Prof. Folakemi Omojasola, Prof. Azizat Omotoyosi, Mallam Usman Tuggar, Bar. AbdulQudus Adesina Orire, the school Registrar, representative of the National University Commission, Nominees of the Senate of the university, and representative of the Kwara State Ministry of Education.
Engr. Sagaya was inaugurated alongside legal luminary Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Bar. Lanre Alli, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chief (Mrs.) Toluwalope Ighodalo, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin Aroyinkeye 1, Orangun of Oke-Ila, the CEO of the Axxess Group, Dallas, Texas, USA, Mr. John Olajide, Sen Gbemisola Saraki, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adekunle Asamu Oyeyemi, PhD, Oloba of Oba-Ile, Princess Felicia Oluwapemi Adereti and Lady Ada Chukwudozie
