The Lagos State University (LASU) Epe campus came alive on Wednesday as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially inaugurated the newly built 550-seater Olatunji Bello Auditorium, a state-of-the-art facility endowed to the institution by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Olatunji Bello.
The imposing edifice, endowed four years ago to mark Bello’s 60th birthday, was formally handed over to the university in fulfilment of a pledge by the former Secretary to the Lagos State Government. The opening ceremony drew a distinguished audience, including academics, veteran journalists, government officials, students, and dignitaries such as former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Segun Osoba, and other political leaders.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the building as a beacon of knowledge, creativity, and intellectual engagement, noting that the donation symbolized a deep commitment to educational advancement and cultural exchange. He said the facility would enrich the academic experience at LASU and inspire students to pursue excellence.
“This iconic edifice, generously donated by one of our illustrious sons, Hon. Olatunji Bello, stands as a testament to vision, commitment, and the enduring value of giving back to society,” Sanwo-Olu said. “This modern facility is more than just a building; it will serve as a hub for academic discourse, cultural exchange, and strategic gatherings, inspiring our students to aim for excellence.”
The Governor praised Bello’s philanthropy as aligned with the Education and Technology pillar of his THEMES+ Agenda, reiterating his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that expand LASU’s infrastructure and strengthen its reputation as a centre of academic excellence.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended the project as a testament to how visionary individuals can inspire institutions. He described the auditorium as more than an architectural masterpiece, but a legacy of sacrifice and public good.
Former LASU Pro-Chancellor, Sir David Sunmoni, highlighted the project as a “classic example of individual social responsibility,” while LASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, emphasized that the facility reinforced the university’s identity as a hub for knowledge and excellence. She noted that her husband’s contributions went beyond infrastructure, citing annual scholarships he sponsors for top-performing graduates in Engineering, Social Sciences, Mass Communication, Law, and Medicine.
Speaking on the inspiration behind his gesture, Olatunji Bello said his desire to leave a lasting academic legacy motivated him to construct the auditorium. He explained that private support for tertiary institutions is essential, given the infrastructural gaps facing public universities. “Certainly, the government alone cannot do it. Private individuals who really have the means should invest in public tertiary education to create more opportunities as prevalent in several developed countries,” he said.
The FCCPC boss revealed that he had contracted a private management company to maintain the auditorium for one year before the university takes full responsibility.
Designed to meet global standards of functionality and spatial efficiency, the Olatunji Bello Auditorium boasts compact writing platforms, making it suitable for lectures, seminars, and performances. It includes an overhead gallery to expand capacity, a stage supported by cloakrooms, three convertible 30-seater classrooms, and an adaptable open office space.
The facility, now permanently bearing Bello’s name, has become a landmark contribution to LASU’s growth story and a shining example of philanthropy in Nigeria’s education sector.
