The Otun Iyalode Of Egba land, Chief Mrs Taofikat Abolaji Afolabi on Wednesday unveiled a hub which comprises hostel, modern bakery, restaurant and a supermarket at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
In her remarks, Afolabi who is also the Iyalode Parakoyi of Ibadan Land, stated that the 600 bed spaces, 200 rooms hostel was her commitment to providing a conducive environment for learning, growth, and development.
Afolabi also added that the hub was designed to provide a safe, secure, and comfortable space for students to focus on their studies.
According to her, the hub is not just a hostel but a hub for innovation, creativity, and excellence, it is also a place where minds will meet, ideas will be born, and futures will be shaped.
“The grand opening of Iyalode Taofikat Hub, this magnificent new hostel, is a dream come true for me, and I am thrilled to share this momentous occasion with all of you.
“This hub is more than just a building; it is a symbol of our commitment to providing a conducive environment for learning, growth, and development.
“It is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and collaboration. I am proud to have played a part in making this vision a reality, and I am grateful to the university authorities for their support and partnership.
“As a philanthropist and a champion of education, I believe that every individual deserves access to quality education and comfortable living conditions. This hub is designed to provide a safe, secure, and comfortable space for students to focus on their studies, build lasting relationships, and create unforgettable memories.
“Iyalode Taofikat Hub is not just a hostel; it is a hub for innovation, creativity, and excellence. It is a place where minds will meet, ideas will be born, and futures will be shaped.
“I envision this space as a catalyst for academic excellence, personal growth, and community development. Within this hub, you will find state-of-the-art facilities, including a restaurant serving delicious and nutritious meals, a bakery offering fresh bread and pastries, and a supermarket stocked with all your daily needs.
“To the students who will call this hub home, I charge you to make the most of this opportunity. Embrace the spirit of community, respect one another’s differences, and support each other’s aspirations.
“Remember that your time here is a precious gift; use it wisely. I pray that the students who pass through this hostel will attain higher levels of success, so I can be proud of them,” she concluded.
In his remarks, the Alake of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Aremu, commended the Otun Iyalode Of Egba land, Chief Taofikat Abolaji Afolabi, for her contributions towards growth and development of the education sector in Nigeria.
The monarch reiterated that the government alone cannot do everything that has to do with education. He added that the project which comprises 600 bed spaces, 200 rooms, bakery and supermarkets would play a major role in solving accommodation challenges in the university.
He stated that the project is an individual contribution towards education, adding that the government alone cannot do everything that has to do with education.
He urged other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate such projects and invest in education. The monarch, however, noted that such investments in education would not only be of benefit to the students but also to the donor of the project.
In his goodwill message during the commissioning of the hostel, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, expressed gratitude to Afolabi, saying that the hostel
is very special, as it would go a long way towards ameliorating the sufferings of students on campus who are finding it difficult to get accommodation.
The project, according to Professor Adebowale, signifies a milestone in the university’s commitment to improving students’ living conditions on campus and increasing the number of bed spaces to ensure that students study in a more improved, decent, conducive, and serene atmosphere.
Adebowale, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose, noted that the hostel will reduce the stress being faced by the students.
The VC appealed to students to make the best use of the facility, ensure decency, and shun acts that could sabotage the resources that the donor has committed to making their hostel experience more pleasurable.
