The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has reaffirmed that the institution places great value on acts of benevolence. According to him, the university’s continued growth and excellence over the decades have been sustained not only by government funding but also by the generous donations of its alumni and well-wishers.
Professor Adebowale made this known while leading the university management team on a courtesy and condolence visit to the Morohundiya family residence in Lagos. The visit was both to appreciate the family for their past benefaction to the university and to commiserate with them on the loss of their matriarch, Chief Christiana Ayodele Morohundiya, JP.
The Vice-Chancellor recalled that the late Chief Samuel Olasupo Morohundiya, the patriarch of the family, had bequeathed the University of Ibadan an expanse of land which houses two massive buildings situated along the Ibadan-Oyo Expressway, Idi Ose. He described this gesture as a testament to the enduring bond between the university and its benefactors.
Expressing the institution’s profound gratitude, Professor Adebowale explained that since its inception, UI has benefited immensely from individuals and communities who saw education as a legacy worth investing in. He highlighted that the very land upon which the university stands was bequeathed by the good people of Ibadanland for a period of 999 years.
He further explained that the University of Ibadan was not a product of political consideration or executive fiat. Rather, it was established based on the recommendations of two independent commissions. These reports affirmed the need for a world-class university in Nigeria, leading to the founding of UI in 1948 as a college of the University of London, before attaining full autonomy in 1962.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the Morohundiya family’s donation had been of immense use to the university, especially through the Distance Learning Centre, which has grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost providers of open and distance education. He stated that the facility donated by the family had served as a cornerstone in expanding educational access beyond the traditional classroom.
Looking ahead, Professor Adebowale reassured the Morohundiya family that the university intends to revamp the Morohundiya Foundation for Legal Education and resuscitate its lecture series. He revealed that plans were already in motion to put the Idi Ose facility into greater use for the advancement of legal education in Nigeria, while also contributing to UI’s broader institutional goals.
He added that the university remained committed to immortalizing Chief Olasupo Morohundiya in recognition of his magnanimity. According to him, the family’s vision for education was perfectly aligned with UI’s mission to train leaders and promote knowledge for societal development.
In her response, the Head of the Morohundiya family and first child of the late Chief, Chief Yetunde Ashabi Morohundiya, the Asiwaju Iyalode Fiwagboye of Ibadanland, warmly welcomed the Vice-Chancellor and his entourage. She described the visit as historic, being the first of such by the university’s top management, despite past interactions between the family and the Faculty of Law.
Chief Yetunde paid glowing tributes to past Deans of the Faculty of Law who had consistently engaged with the family over the years. She expressed happiness that the university was renewing its commitment to sustaining her father’s legacy through education and capacity building.
She added that this renewed commitment signified a new beginning for the partnership between UI and the family. Chief Yetunde expressed hope that the property and foundation would be adequately maximized for the progress of legal education, and she requested that the family be carried along in the university’s plans to ensure that their contributions remain impactful.
Also speaking at the visit, one of the proteges of the late Chief Olasupo Morohundiya, Barrister Richard Ahonaruogho, SAN, praised UI for taking the time to honor the family. He stressed the importance of reviving the lecture series under the Morohundiya Foundation, describing it as a worthy way to keep the founder’s vision alive.
He noted that education thrives when institutions and families work hand in hand to promote knowledge. He urged the university not to relent in strengthening the foundation, while assuring the family’s continued support in seeing the vision fulfilled.
Other members of the Morohundiya family present during the visit included Mrs. Bolanle Olatokunbo Ogunjobi, Chief Mrs. Tinuola Aboyade, Barrister Omowumi Morohundiya, and Mr. Edirin Kragha, a grandson of the late Chief. Dr. Mrs. Morenike Adebusuyi was unavoidably absent but was acknowledged by the family. The visit ended on a note of mutual appreciation and renewed commitment to advancing the legacy of Chief Olasupo Morohundiya through education.
