Billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Femi Otedola, has announced a new ₦4 billion donation to Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, for the construction of a modern Electrical and Electronics Engineering block.
Mr Otedola, who serves as the Chancellor of the Catholic-owned university, made the announcement on Thursday during the institution’s 7th Convocation Ceremony and 10th anniversary celebration.
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The new donation, he said, would fund the delayed second phase of the university’s Faculty of Engineering, which had faced significant cost increases due to inflation. The new structure will complement the existing Dame Doja Otedola Faculty of Engineering, named in honour of his mother.
“I hereby announce my donation to the University of the Electronics Engineering Block at the cost of ₦4 billion,” Otedola said in his address.
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“I have brought with me a cheque of ₦500 million, which I hereby present to the contractor. Based on the time schedule of the contract, it is hoped that construction will be completed by the time of our University’s 2026 convocation.”
The philanthropist revealed that he and the contractor signed the construction contract earlier in the day, adding that the cheque presentation marked the formal commencement of the project.
This latest act of generosity follows a series of major donations by Mr Otedola to the university.
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In 2024, he gave ₦3.7 billion to fund the Faculty of Engineering complex and other infrastructure.
Earlier, he had also awarded ₦1 million each to 750 students of Augustine University — a donation aimed at supporting their education and easing financial burdens on their families.
Together, these contributions make Mr Otedola one of the most significant private donors to any university in Nigeria.
During his convocation address, the Chancellor commended the university’s steady progress over the past decade and reaffirmed his commitment to its vision of providing “integral education for a borderless world.”
He also thanked the institution’s founders and leadership for their dedication and stewardship.
He further presented 1,000 copies of his best-selling book, Making it Big, to students, faculty, and management staff, encouraging graduates to live by the university’s motto, Pro Scientia et Moribus — “For Knowledge and Character.”
“As you go out into the world, carry the values of Augustine University with you. Be global in outlook but local in impact; be courageous in conviction but humble in service,” he told the graduands.
Mr Otedola also congratulated the university’s new Vice-Chancellor, Anthony Alaba Akinwale, and the new Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Winifred Akpani, pledging his continued support for their leadership.
Since becoming Chancellor, Mr Otedola has emerged as Augustine University’s foremost benefactor, channeling billions of naira into academic infrastructure, scholarships, and student welfare, investments that continue to transform the university into a model of Catholic higher education in Nigeria.
BELOW IS MR OTEDOLA’S FULL SPEECH AT THE EVENT.
ADDRESS BY THE CHANCELLOR, MR. OLUFEMI OTEDOLA, CON ON THE OCCASION OF THE 7TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF AUGUSTINE UNIVERSITY ON THURSDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2025
PROTOCOLS
- [His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (if present)}
- The Proprietor, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins
- The Visioner of Augustine University, His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie
- The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sir Steve Omojafor and other members of the Board of Trustees
- His Royal Majesty, the Alara of Ilara kingdom, Oba Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo
- The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Dame Winifred Akpani and other Members of Council
- The Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Professor Anthony Alaba Akinwale
- The Registrar and Other Principal Officers of the University
- Vice-Chancellors and Registrars of sister Universities
- The Convocation Lecturer, Professor Steve Afolami
- Members of the University Senate
- Staff and Students of our illustrious University
- AUI Benefactors
- Friends of the University
- Parents of Graduating Students and Members of their Families
- AUI Graduands
- Alumni Members of Augustine University
- Gentlemen of the Press
- Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen including my mother Dame Doja Otedola who has attended every convocation of our university since inception.
INTRODUCTION
It is with profound joy, deep gratitude to God, and a strong sense of fulfillment that I stand before you on this historic occasion, the 7th Convocation Ceremony of Augustine University, Ilara-Epe. Today, we gather not only to celebrate the academic accomplishments of our graduands, but also to commemorate a decade of remarkable progress, resilience, and the unflinching commitment of this University to its founding vision, to provide integral education for a borderless world. This year’s theme, “AUI @ 10: Fulfilling the Mandate of Providing Integral University Education for a Borderless World,” aptly captures the spirit of our celebration. Augustine University has, in its ten years of existence, grown from a humble beginning into a center of learning that stands tall among faith-based and private universities in Nigeria. It has stayed faithful to its mandate of nurturing the intellect, forming character, and inspiring service to humanity.
Over the past ten years, Augustine University has demonstrated that true education goes beyond academic instruction. It encompasses the formation of the whole person, intellectually, morally, and spiritually. In a rapidly changing global landscape, the University continues to equip students with the knowledge and values necessary to thrive in a world without borders. I am glad to hear that our graduates are increasingly making their mark in various spheres of life; as professionals, innovators, and change agents who reflect the ideals of their alma mater. Indeed, some of our alumni have become employers of labour, contributing meaningfully to national development through entrepreneurship and leadership in their chosen fields. Others have pursued higher degrees, with several now holders of Master’s and Doctoral degrees in reputable institutions within Nigeria and beyond. Their stories, achievements, and contributions reaffirm that Augustine University is truly fulfilling the divine mandate upon which it was established, to nurture minds, build character, and produce men and women who serve God and humanity with excellence and integrity.
This 7th Convocation Ceremony is uniquely significant because it coincides with a season of new beginnings for our University. Only last month, we welcomed the assumption of office of our 3rd Substantive Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Professor Anthony Alaba Akinwale, OP, a distinguished scholar, priest, and administrator of great repute. His appointment marks the dawn of a new chapter in our University’s history, one defined by intellectual rigor, spiritual depth, and institutional excellence. On behalf of the Proprietor and the entire University community, I congratulate the new Vice-Chancellor and assure him of our full support as he leads Augustine University into its second decade of impactful existence. We are confident that under his leadership, the University will consolidate its gains, expand its academic frontiers, and strengthen its role as a model of Catholic higher education in Nigeria and beyond.
Today’s ceremony is also marked by the inauguration of the 2nd Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Dame Winifred Akpani . Her emergence as Pro-Chancellor signals continuity in visionary leadership and commitment to good governance. I extend my warmest congratulations to her and commend the Governing Council for its dedication to the progress of Augustine University.
I wish to sincerely acknowledge and appreciate the Proprietor of the University, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, whose pastoral leadership and steadfast faith continue to sustain the University’s mission. I equally recognize the vision and sacrifice of His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, whose dream gave life to this institution a decade ago.
In respect of the Board of Trustees I wish to welcome our new members on board who include my uncle Very Rev Fr Julius Olaitan who is also the Episcopal Vicar of the Lagos Region, Very Rev Fr Anthony Fadairo, the Episcopal Vicar Ikeja Region and Very Rev Fr Francis Anyanwu, the Episcopal Vicar Badagry Region. I commend the existing Trustees , the chair of the Board of Trustees Sir Steve Omojafor, the Very Rev Monseignor John Aniagwu, His Royal Majesty, the Alara of Ilara, my sister Dame Sena Anthony and my brother Yemi Cardoso for their indefatigable work on the Board of Trustees of AUI over the years.
To the Governing Council, Management, Faculty, and Staff, I express my profound gratitude for your relentless dedication, your intellectual rigor, and your unwavering commitment to the ideals of this University.
I wish to also thank our benefactors and friends of Augustine University especially Baba Chief …Bakare for his immense contribution to the development of the Faculty of Law building and Senator Daisy Danjuma for her scholarship to 24 students of this University. I thank you and all our Benefactors most sincerely for your continued generosity. Your support has been instrumental to our achievements and to the realization of our expansion plans.
Today we also celebrate our graduating students who will today receive their First Degrees, Diploma Certificates, and various prizes and awards. You have laboured diligently and persevered through challenges. You have emerged not only with academic laurels but with the values of integrity, excellence, and compassion, values that define the Augustine University experience. May I remind you that your journey does not end here. It begins anew, with greater responsibilities to your communities, your nation, and the world. Wherever you go, let your actions reflect the character and principles instilled in you by this great institution. Be global in outlook but local in impact; be courageous in conviction but humble in service. As you go out into the world, carry the values of the motto of our University Pro Scientia et Moribus be with you. Let your actions be guided by a commitment to excellence in all that you do, both in your personal and professional lives. Be a beacon of integrity, of kindness, and of service. Know that your education at Augustine University has prepared you to face the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and with grace.
As you leave here today, remember that you are not just representing yourselves, you are representing Augustine University and all that it stands for.
Finally, I wish to remind you that you will face new challenges in this phase of your life. This is why I am presenting to each of you today a copy of my internationally acclaimed best-selling book “Making it Big”. In total I am donating 1000 copies of my book to each student of our university and all faculty members and management of the university.
To the parents and guardians of our graduating students, thank you for entrusting us with the education of your children. Your sacrifices have not been in vain, and today’s joy is as much yours as it is theirs.
In respect of the buildings for the Faculty of Engineering of our University. I notice that the first phase named after my mother Dame Doja Otedola has been put to good use. It is true that the construction of the Electrical Electronics Engineering block has suffered significant delay. I wish at this junction to re-pledge my commitment to the Proprietor of the University and the University community to build this block whose current construction cost including furnishing has escalated to almost N4 Billion due to inflation. I hereby announce that I have brought with me a cheque of N500 million which I hereby present to the contractor . Based on the time schedule of the contract it is hoped that the construction of the building will be completed by the time of our University’s 2026 convocation.
Your Grace Ladies and Gentlemen the Contractor and I signed the contract for the construction of the Electronics Engineering Block this morning. I hereby announce my donation to the University of the Electronics Engineering Block at the cost of N4 Billion Naira.
Thank you and may God Almighty continue to bless Augustine University and each and every one of you. Thank you for listening.
Mr. Olufemi Otedola, CON
Chancellor
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