The 12th Convocation Lecture of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, held on December 12, 2024, was marked by intellectual discourse and remarkable philanthropy, as Alhaji Sherif Shagaya, Chairman of the Salman Shagaya Foundation, donated ₦10 million to the institution.
Represented by Alhaji Abdulfatai Salman Bakinni, a former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Shagaya reaffirmed his dedication to education as a transformative tool for societal development. The donation was widely praised by key figures, including the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Arinde, who described it as a testament to the Shagaya family’s unwavering commitment to advancing education in Kwara State.
The Vice-Chancellor of KWASU, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, expressed profound gratitude, stating that Shagaya’s support and involvement have strengthened the university’s efforts to build strategic partnerships for academic growth.
The convocation lecture, delivered by Emeritus Professor Abubakar Sani Sambo, OON, FAS, and President-elect of the Nigerian Academy of Science, focused on *“The Optimum Utilisation of Nigeria’s Energy Resources for Sustainable Growth and Development.”* The lecture explored solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges, offering insights critical to achieving sustainable development.
Alhaji Shagaya’s delegation, which included prominent figures such as Alhaji Muftau Akanbi Oke, Director General of the Salman Shagaya Foundation, and Barrister Mahmud Abdulraheem, showcased the foundation’s dedication to community growth and leadership.
As part of the convocation week, KWASU will host exhibitions, a convocation play, and the awarding of degrees to 6,374 graduates, including 71 first-class honorees, underscoring its dual focus on academic excellence and societal impact.
Shagaya’s donation and ongoing support through his foundation highlight the power of philanthropy in driving educational progress and community transformation, making KWASU’s 12th Convocation a landmark event in the institution’s history.
