The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR Ojaja II, on Monday, 2nd September 2024, inaugurated the members of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees for his privately-owned Ojaja University at a ceremony held at the Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.
The university, located in Eiyenkorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, saw the appointment of Prof. Lere Baale, a prominent scholar and Director at the Business School Netherlands International, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council. Engr. Yusuf Olanrewaju Shagaya, OFR, the Zanna of Ilorin and head of the Shagaya dynasty, was appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
In his address to the assembly of academic scholars, professionals, and traditional rulers, Ooni Ogunwusi emphasized that the Ojaja University project was inspired by his deep commitment to education, human development, and capacity building in Nigeria. The Ooni highlighted the university’s vision as one driven by legacy and innovation, rather than profit-making, aiming to nurture valuable innovators who are academically and morally sound.
The Vice-Chancellor of Ojaja University, Prof. Jeleel Ojuade, stated that the inauguration of the university’s Council and Board of Trustees establishes a robust framework to achieve the institution’s goals and aspirations. He expressed confidence in the newly appointed members, acknowledging their distinguished careers and dedication to excellence.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Lere Baale pledged to contribute meaningfully to the university’s mission, emphasizing the institution’s role in solving societal challenges and offering innovative solutions to national issues. He assured that the university would uphold the values and principles of higher education, aiming to celebrate the innovations of its students and graduates in the years to come.
Engr. Shagaya, in his acceptance speech as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude for the nomination and committed to leading the university towards becoming a leading institution in Nigeria.
Other key members of the Governing Council include Chief (Mrs.) Ronke Adeyemi, Dr. Lanre Shittu, Alhaji Ibrahim Indimi, Prof. Folakemi Omojasola, Prof. Azizat Omotoyosi, and various representatives from the National Universities Commission, Kwara State Ministry of Education, and the university’s Senate. The Board of Trustees also includes notable figures such as Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, and Sen Gbemisola Saraki.
The Ojaja University project, originally founded by Engr. Morgan F. Akpan as Crownhill University, was later supported by Ooni Ogunwusi, who has since worked to ensure its continuity and success, even amid significant challenges.
