Embrace Education As Tool For Character Formation Rather Than Mere Certification- Prof Ali Charges Universities

-As UNIOSUN Holds Maiden Folorunso Alakija Lecture

A former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, Professor Yusuf Ali, has urged the university community to embrace education as a tool for character formation rather than mere certification.

He made the call on Wednesday as a guest lecturer at the maiden Folorunso Alakija Annual Lecture held at the university auditorium in Òṣogbo with the lecture titled, “A life of impact and a legacy of service: Lessons from Apostle Folorunso Alakija.”

He noted that Apostle Folorunso Alakija took her assignment as Chancellor of UNIOSUN seriously, describing her contributions as enduring and impactful.

According to him, “her philanthropic efforts reflect a moral commitment to giving, adding that her investments in the university stand as lasting legacies.

“If Apostle Alakija had been thinking the way many of us think, she would not have contributed a dime to UNIOSUN’s development, saying she’s s not from Osun and she contributed immensely to the development of the institution.

Professor Ali who emphasised that universities must produce purpose-driven graduates and promote innovation and enterprise among students encouraged alumni of the institution to actively participate in the affairs of their alma mata, stressing the importance of sustained engagement for institutional growth.

Addressing students, Prof Ali advised them to root their ambitions in purpose, noting that success should not be pursued in isolation from societal impact.

“Let ambition be guided by purpose, let resilience transform adversity into growth and let integrity anchor achievement,” he said.

While charging emerging leaders to view leadership as a form of service, adding that vision remains essential for transformational leadership and that success must be accompanied by social responsibility, he advocated national transformation driven by ethical citizens, urging young people to pursue excellence, build careers, and think beyond limitations.

He cited the construction of the university’s dual carriageway and the establishment of a hospital as some of her notable legacies, stating that they would not be forgotten.

“What she has achieved as a woman tells you that barriers can be challenged, paths can be created, and possibilities can be expanded,” he added.

Governor Ademola Adeleke thanked Apostle Alakija for her service and announced the appointment of a new Chancellor Mrs Victoria Adunola Samson.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIOSUN, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, described Apostle Alakija as a blessing to the university and a diligent and down-to-earth woman whose tenure brought significant development to the institution.

Providing an overview of her achievements, Adebooye disclosed that the number of Bachelor of Science programmes increased from 39 to 66 during her tenure, and later rose to 138 under his administration.

“The student population grew from about 10,000 to 14,290 during the tenure of a former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Labode Popoola, and has now reached 42,980. Apostle Alakija contributed N250 million of her personal funds towards the N350 million dual carriageway project within the university.

“We thank Mama for bearing the pain to sacrifice for this university. Mama Alakija built the hospital without a dime from the university and donated it to UNIOSUN, which enabled an increase in the admission quota for medicine from 100 to 150,” he stated.

Adebooye also revealed that attempts to make her Chancellor for life were declined, noting her firm and principled disposition.

In her remarks, Apostle Folorunso Alakija expressed gratitude to the university community for their support throughout her tenure.

She attributed her accomplishments to divine grace, saying, “I thank God that I said yes at the beginning and for all those who supported me on this journey, including my husband and children.”

She urged students and staff not to relent in doing good, encouraging continued dedication to service and excellence.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Princess Omolola Oyinlola described Alakija as a rare Amazon and a woman of excellence.