A delegation led by the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi, alongside the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Prof. Clement Adebooye, visited Alakija during activities organised in honour of her valedictory service as Chancellor of the institution.
The visit, according to a statement issued on Friday in Osogbo by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, was aimed at appreciating Alakija’s contributions to the growth and transformation of the university over the past 10 years.
Representing Governor Ademola Adeleke, Adewusi described Alakija as a woman whose generosity and commitment to humanity had left lasting footprints across Osun State, particularly in education and healthcare.
He praised her support for infrastructural development within the university community, especially the construction of the institution’s access road and the donation of the ultra-modern Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital.
According to him, the medical facility stands as one of the most significant interventions in the history of the university and will continue to strengthen medical education and healthcare delivery in the state.
Adewusi said, “Her humanitarian gestures and unwavering support for education have continued to impact lives positively. The hospital donated to Osun State University is not just a structure, but a living legacy that will serve generations.”
He further described Alakija as “a rare philanthropist whose interventions had significantly impacted education, healthcare, and infrastructural development in the state.”
Also speaking during the visit, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebooye, commended the Chancellor for what he called her unwavering dedication to the institution.
He noted that her tenure brought remarkable growth, increased visibility, and institutional transformation to the university, adding that members of the university community wished her tenure could continue beyond its expiration.
The Vice-Chancellor also presented a progress report on the medical research and training hospital donated by Alakija, assuring her that the university management would continue to maintain and develop the facility into a globally recognised centre for medical research and healthcare services.
Responding emotionally to the honour, Alakija expressed gratitude to the state government and the university management for celebrating her contributions.
She revealed that her decision to accept the role as Chancellor of Osun State University years ago was spiritually inspired.
“I received divine guidance to build the hospital for Osun State University,” she said.
Alakija explained that despite several requests from different organisations seeking her attention at the time, she chose to honour the university’s invitation after seeking divine direction through prayers.
She reiterated her commitment to serving humanity and obeying what she described as God’s instruction to impact lives positively.
The renowned businesswoman and philanthropist also encouraged Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to society, regardless of how small their efforts may seem.
According to her, collective contributions from individuals remain essential to building a better society and improving the nation’s future.