The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Professor Simeon Bamire, has called on Nigerians to imbibe the culture of proper maintenance of public infrastructure to prevent wastage of resources and ensure the sustainability of facilities provided for the common good. He emphasized that developing a maintenance culture remains a key factor in prolonging the lifespan of public projects and reducing the rate of infrastructural decay across the nation.
Professor Bamire made the call on Thursday during the commissioning of a ₦20 million combined volleyball and basketball court built and donated to the university by the Omotayo Adegboye Foundation for the Awolowo Hall of Residence. The facility, according to the Vice-Chancellor, will serve both students and staff as a platform for recreation, sporting excellence, and social interaction.
Commending the donor, Mr. Omotayo Adegboye, an alumnus of the university and founder of the foundation, the Vice-Chancellor described the gesture as a shining example of true alumni commitment to the growth and development of their alma mater. He noted that the project would contribute to the holistic development of students, as physical education complements academic pursuit in fostering well-rounded graduates.
Bamire also used the occasion to remind students that maintaining the newly commissioned facility was as important as the donation itself. He warned that poor maintenance could quickly erode the value of such interventions, discouraging other well-meaning Nigerians from contributing to national development. “Yes, maintenance is key,” he said. “In most cases, it looks like we lack that culture, but we must ensure that students and staff are encouraged to imbibe it for the sustainability of the facilities we have.”
According to him, the students have been advised to take responsibility for the facility and protect it against vandalism and misuse. “The students have been charged to maintain this facility so that whenever donors visit, they will be happy to see that their investments are well cared for. This will also motivate others to give back to the university,” Bamire added.
The Vice-Chancellor further expressed optimism that the project would promote unity, teamwork, and fitness among students and staff of the institution. “You can see the students moving around happily, and I am sure the staff of this university will also come here to demonstrate their skills in volleyball and basketball,” he said, noting that the project symbolizes partnership between the alumni community and the university administration.
In his remarks, Mr. Omotayo Adegboye, a United Kingdom-based lawyer, said the facility should be put to good use by the students to encourage more interventions of similar magnitude from well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organizations. He explained that the project was executed with strict adherence to quality standards to ensure its durability and functionality for many years.
“Initially, we thought the project would cost about ₦6 million based on an estimate prepared by one of the architecture students,” Adegboye said. “However, it eventually cost close to ₦20 million to ensure it met the standard we envisioned and to provide a befitting sports facility for the students.” He urged the beneficiaries of the project to take ownership of the court by maintaining it properly and using it responsibly.
Prior to this donation, the Omotayo Adegboye Foundation had earlier in February 2025 presented ₦11 million in scholarships to 106 indigent students of OAU to support their academic pursuits. The scholarship, which covered students from 100 to 500 levels, was part of a broader plan by the foundation to empower youths and reduce the financial burdens on students from less privileged backgrounds.
During the scholarship presentation held on the OAU campus, Adegboye stated that the beneficiaries comprised 54 males and 52 females, each receiving ₦100,000 to aid their education. He further revealed that the initiative was inspired by his father’s values of generosity and would be sustained as an annual gesture to support students who demonstrate academic commitment and integrity. “My late father always taught us to have the heart of giving. You don’t have to be wealthy before you share what you have,” he said.
Adegboye also recounted his experience as a student of the Faculty of Administration, Department of Accounting, where he served as President of the Accounting Students’ Association. He said the university shaped his life and career, motivating him to continually give back. “OAU is my choice for this initiative because it is where my academic and leadership journey began. This university gave me so much, and giving back is my way of saying thank you,” he stated.
Responding, Professor Bamire lauded Adegboye for his continuous support to the university, describing him as an exemplary alumnus whose efforts reflect the true spirit of service and philanthropy. The Vice-Chancellor said the donations would not only benefit the students but would also serve as relief for their parents, the teaching community, and the university as a whole. “We appreciate Mr. Adegboye for being a shining example of what it means to give back. His donations are not just for the students but for the entire OAU community,” Bamire concluded.
