The Osun State Government and the management of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) have honoured the institution’s Chancellor, Folorunso Alakija, in recognition of her 10 years of service to the university and her contributions to humanity.
The recognition came during a valedictory visit by a delegation led by Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Clement Adebooye, as part of activities marking the end of Alakija’s tenure as Chancellor.
According to a statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the visit took place in Osogbo on Friday.
Governor Adeleke, who was represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, praised Alakija for what he described as her outstanding contributions to the development of education, healthcare and infrastructure in Osun State.
He described her as a rare philanthropist whose interventions had made a lasting impact on the university and the wider society.
“Adeleke lauded her support for the construction of the access road to the university, as well as the donation of the ultra-modern Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital,” the statement said.
The governor noted that the hospital donated to Osun State University remains one of the most important contributions to medical education and healthcare delivery in the state.
He said the facility would continue to serve as a lasting legacy, not only for the university but also for the people of Osun State and beyond.
According to him, the humanitarian efforts of Alakija and her family would be remembered for many years because of their direct impact on human lives.
Also speaking during the visit, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adebooye expressed appreciation for Alakija’s support over the past decade, describing her tenure as transformational for the institution.
He said the university had recorded significant growth in infrastructure, visibility and academic development since she assumed the position of Chancellor.
Prof. Adebooye added that members of the university community had wished her tenure could have continued beyond its official expiration due to her positive influence on the institution.
He further presented a progress report on the medical research and training hospital donated by the Chancellor, assuring her that the university management was committed to maintaining the facility at international standards.
According to him, the hospital is expected to serve as one of the leading centres for medical training and research in Nigeria and across Africa.
He said the institution would continue to invest in the facility to ensure it meets global healthcare and academic standards.
In her response, Alakija expressed gratitude to the Osun State Government and the university for the honour and recognition given to her during the visit.
She said she was deeply humbled by the appreciation shown to her for her service to the institution.
Alakija explained that although she had received several invitations and requests for appointments from various organisations, she accepted the role of Chancellor of UNIOSUN after what she described as divine direction through prayer.
“I received divine guidance to build the hospital for Osun State University,” she said.
She added that her decision to support the university was guided by her faith and commitment to serving humanity.
The philanthropist also reaffirmed her belief in giving back to society, urging individuals and organisations to contribute their own quota, no matter how small, towards national development.
According to her, meaningful change in society can only be achieved when people commit themselves to acts of service and support for others.
She encouraged Nigerians to see opportunities to help others as a responsibility rather than a burden.
UNIOSUN, established in 2006, is one of Nigeria’s state-owned universities created to expand access to higher education and improve academic development in Osun State.
Over the years, the institution has grown to become one of the fast-developing universities in the country, with multiple campuses and a growing reputation in medical and scientific research.
The university’s partnership with benefactors such as Alakija has played a key role in improving its infrastructure and academic facilities.
The Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital remains one of the most significant private donations to a public university in Nigeria in recent years.
Education stakeholders say such contributions are important in supporting government efforts to improve higher education and healthcare services in the country.
The visit by Governor Adeleke and university officials is seen as a formal recognition of Alakija’s decade-long impact on the institution and her broader contributions to society.
As her tenure comes to an end, many within the university community have described her leadership as a period of growth, development and expanded opportunities for students and staff.
The event marks a significant moment in the history of UNIOSUN as it reflects on a decade of partnership between the institution and its Chancellor, with expectations that her legacy will continue to influence future development efforts.