The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, alongside the management of Osun State University, has paid glowing tribute to the institution’s outgoing Chancellor, Folorunso Alakija, in recognition of her decade-long service marked by philanthropy, institutional growth, and educational advancement.
The honour came during a valedictory visit organised as part of activities marking the end of Alakija’s 10-year tenure as Chancellor of the university, where she was widely praised for her contributions to education, healthcare, and infrastructural development.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Adeleke, represented by his deputy Kola Adewusi, described Alakija as a “rare philanthropist whose interventions have significantly transformed the university and improved lives across Osun State.”
He particularly highlighted her support for key infrastructural projects, including the construction of the university’s access road and the donation of a world-class medical facility known as the Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital.
According to the governor, the hospital stands as one of the most enduring legacies of her tenure, serving as both a training hub for medical students and a centre for advanced healthcare delivery.
“The hospital donated to Osun State University is a living legacy that will continue to benefit generations of students and patients. Her contributions will remain indelible in the history of Osun State,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Clement Adebooye, also commended the outgoing Chancellor for her consistent support, describing her tenure as transformative and impactful.
He noted that under her leadership, the institution witnessed remarkable improvements in visibility, infrastructure, and academic development, adding that the university community would continue to cherish her contributions.
“Her tenure brought tremendous growth and transformation to the university. Indeed, her impact will be felt for many years to come,” he stated.
Prof. Adebooye further presented a progress report on the medical research and training hospital donated by Alakija, assuring her that the facility would be sustained as a centre of excellence in medical education and healthcare innovation.
In her response, Folorunso Alakija expressed appreciation to the university and the state government for the recognition accorded her, describing her journey with the institution as divinely guided.
She revealed that her decision to support the university was based on spiritual conviction, noting that she had received what she described as divine instruction to contribute to the development of healthcare and education in Osun State.
“I received divine guidance to build the hospital for Osun State University,” she said, adding that her philanthropic commitment was rooted in service to humanity and obedience to God’s direction.
Alakija encouraged individuals and organisations to contribute meaningfully to societal development, stressing that even small acts of generosity could create lasting impact when directed towards education and healthcare.
The event was attended by top government officials, university administrators, and members of the academic community, all of whom applauded her decade-long stewardship and described her legacy as one that would continue to shape the university’s future.
