OAU VC Calls for Maintenance Culture as Ex-Student Donates ₦20m Sports Facility

The Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Professor Simeon Bamire, has urged Nigerians to cultivate a strong culture of maintaining public infrastructure to prevent waste and ensure sustainability.

Prof. Bamire made the call on Thursday during the commissioning of a ₦20 million combined volleyball and basketball court donated by the Omotayo Adegboye Foundation to the Awolowo Hall of Residence in the university.

The Vice Chancellor commended the donor, Mr. Omotayo Adegboye, an alumnus of the institution and founder of the Foundation, for his generosity and commitment to improving students’ welfare through sports development.

“This gesture by Mr. Adegboye is a commendable example of giving back to one’s alma mater. We appreciate his contribution to the growth of this university and the welfare of our students,” Prof. Bamire said.

He appealed to students who would use the facility to ensure its proper care and maintenance, noting that negligence often leads to the deterioration of valuable infrastructure.

“I want to urge our students to maintain this facility so it can serve many generations. A culture of maintenance saves costs and preserves development efforts,” he added.

The Vice Chancellor also encouraged other alumni to emulate Adegboye’s example by supporting the university’s ongoing projects in whatever capacity they can.

In his remarks, Mr. Omotayo Adegboye said the donation was part of his Foundation’s efforts to promote youth development through education and sports. He expressed gratitude to the university management for the opportunity to give back and called on fellow graduates to invest in the institution that shaped their lives.

The newly commissioned sports facility is expected to enhance recreation and sports participation among students of Awolowo Hall, fostering teamwork, fitness, and social interaction.