… Foundation Donates ₦250 Million to Alma Mater

The University of Ilorin has honoured Dr Tunji Olowolafe, founder and chairman of Deux Project Limited and Tunji Olowolafe Foundation, for his outstanding philanthropic contributions to the institution, during its Golden Jubilee celebrations held on July 16, 2025.

Dr Olowolafe, a 1984 medical graduate of the university, was recognised alongside 64 other distinguished Nigerians at a special investiture ceremony marking the university’s 50th anniversary.

He received the Award of Excellence for his extraordinary support towards staff development, research, and infrastructure at the institution. Notable among his past donations is a ₦200 million contribution used to support staff training, research funding, the acquisition of a digital anatomy machine, and provision of a secure vehicle for university operations.

In a moving speech delivered at the event, Dr Olowolafe announced an additional donation of ₦250 million through the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation to further strengthen the university’s academic and infrastructural development. He also called on the university leadership to establish a dedicated educational research department to explore untapped funding opportunities from agencies such as TETFUND and NELFUND, which offer non-collateralised, interest-free loans and grants for institutions and students.

Dr Olowolafe described his philanthropy as “therapeutic,” noting the transformative power of giving for both the donor and the beneficiaries. He expressed profound gratitude to the university, crediting it for shaping his career and personal life, including meeting his late wife there in 1978 as an undergraduate medical student.

The investiture ceremony recognised 50 Unilorin ambassadors, 10 distinguished alumni, and two recipients of the Award of Excellence. Other high-profile honourees included Chief Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Director of Public Affairs at TVC Communications; Eniola Bello, MD of ThisDay Newspapers; Mrs Kemi Nandap, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service; and Dr Sarah Alade, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The event also featured a keynote address by Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, who highlighted the university’s legacy and urged Nigerians to view giving back to educational institutions as a moral obligation.