Renowned project management expert and CEO of iCentra, Mr. Taopheek Babayeju, has inspired students of Lagos State University (LASU) with a powerful message to “strive for greatness, unlock your full potential, and inspire your generation.”
The award-winning alumnus made this charge during the “Inspiring Excellence Tour Lagos” held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, LASU Main Campus, Ojo.
Speaking to students of the Faculty of Science and the Department of Project Management, Mr. Babayeju—recipient of the prestigious PMI Eric Jenett Person of the Year Award—urged students to approach life as a purposeful project.
“Success,” he said, “is not defined by the certificates you hold, but by the problems you are able to solve for your generation.” He cautioned against chasing money and instead advised them to focus on value creation, which would, in turn, attract wealth.
Babayeju further stressed that true greatness is achieved by combining passion, purpose, and service. “Don’t just follow your passion—infuse passion into whatever you choose to do,” he added.
In a significant highlight of the event, Babayeju announced a ₦5 million endowment to reward the best final-year Physics project at LASU over the next ten years—₦500,000 annually. The endowment is aimed at encouraging excellence and innovation among Physics students.
The Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Moses Akanbi, praised Mr. Babayeju for choosing to begin the national tour at his alma mater and for his commitment to giving back. “We must all continue to pursue and promote excellence,” he said, “for it is the key to reaching the top and remaining there.”
Also present was Dr. Oluwafunmilayo Ometan, Acting Head of the Department of Physics, who encouraged students to learn from Mr. Babayeju’s journey. She thanked the university management, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, for their support in hosting the event.
As part of the programme, students participated in a quiz on their field of study, with winners receiving cash prizes and signed copies of Babayeju’s book, “UNLOCK.”
After the event, Mr. Babayeju and his team visited the university’s Senate Building, where they were received by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Oseni Afisi. During the visit, Babayeju reflected on his student days at LASU and reiterated his commitment to supporting the institution.
In a surprise gesture, fellow alumnus and guest, Dr. Kayode Akinlade, Group CEO of Glovis Global, pledged ₦10 million to fund annual ₦1 million awards for the best graduating Physics student over the next ten years.
The Vice-Chancellor, through her representative, expressed deep appreciation for the donations and reaffirmed the university’s dedication to nurturing excellence.
