billionaire businessman and philanthropist Femi Otedola has announced a ₦4 billion donation to facilitate the completion of the Engineering Faculty building at Augustine University, Ilara-Epe (AUI), Lagos State. The announcement, made during the institution’s 7th Convocation Ceremony on October 30, 2025, has been widely celebrated as a historic contribution that will redefine the future of engineering education in the country.
A Gift That Redefines the Future of Engineering at AUI
During the event, Otedola, who serves as the Chancellor of Augustine University, revealed that the project’s cost had significantly risen due to inflation and surging construction material prices. Originally estimated at a lower budget, the completion and furnishing of the Faculty of Engineering complex, specifically the Electrical and Electronics Engineering block, now require close to ₦4 billion.
Demonstrating his commitment, Otedola presented a ₦500 million cheque on the spot to the project contractor as part of his donation. The contract for the construction had been formally signed earlier that same day, ensuring immediate commencement of work on the remaining phases of the project.
Otedola’s Vision: Building a Legacy of Excellence
Speaking at the convocation, Otedola emphasized his desire to see Augustine University stand tall among the best in the world. According to him, investing in infrastructure that enhances innovation and academic excellence is key to producing graduates capable of solving Nigeria’s pressing technological and industrial challenges.
He noted that the Engineering Faculty building, when completed, will be a state-of-the-art academic facility housing modern lecture halls, laboratories, workshops, and research units for engineering students.
This ambitious infrastructure is expected to be completed before the 2026 Convocation Ceremony, setting a record pace for one of Nigeria’s most rapidly expanding private universities.
AUI’s 10th Anniversary Celebration: A Decade of Growth
The convocation event also marked the 10th anniversary of Augustine University, themed “AUI @ 10: Fulfilling the Mandate of Providing Integral University Education for a Borderless World.”
The celebration highlighted the institution’s steady growth since its establishment, especially in advancing technology-based disciplines and maintaining high academic standards under the auspices of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos.
University officials described Otedola’s donation as a turning point that would not only accelerate the completion of the Engineering Faculty but also inspire other well-meaning Nigerians to invest in education.
The Dame Doja Otedola Connection
Interestingly, this is not Otedola’s first contribution to Augustine University. The first phase of the Engineering Faculty building — named after his mother, Dame Doja Otedola — was funded by him in earlier years and is already in use by students.
The latest ₦4 billion commitment will ensure that the second and final phase of the project is completed, fully equipped, and ready to serve generations of students.
By naming part of the faculty after his mother, Otedola continues a family tradition of philanthropy and community development, reinforcing the importance of giving back to society.
The Engineering Faculty: A Game-Changer for Nigerian Education
Once completed, the Faculty of Engineering at Augustine University will become one of the most advanced in Nigeria’s private university sector.
Key Expected Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Modern Laboratories | Equipped for practicals in Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Engineering. |
| Workshops and Fabrication Units | Hands-on training spaces for design and innovation. |
| Lecture Theatres and Smart Classrooms | Designed with digital teaching tools for hybrid learning. |
| Research and Innovation Hubs | Dedicated spaces for collaboration between students, faculty, and industry partners. |
| Energy-Efficient Architecture | Built with sustainability in mind, including renewable power integration. |
The new facility is expected to attract partnerships with both local and international organizations, foster research innovation, and boost AUI’s competitiveness in science and technology education.
Stakeholders Commend Otedola’s Generosity
Speaking during the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of Augustine University, Prof. Christopher Odetunde, praised Otedola’s unwavering commitment to the university’s mission. He described the donation as a “monumental gesture that reflects genuine love for education and human capacity development.”
He also noted that the project would greatly enhance the learning environment for engineering students and help position the university as a centre of excellence in technological education in Nigeria.
Other dignitaries at the convocation — including members of the clergy, government representatives, and academic stakeholders — lauded Otedola for his continued support of the institution, urging other wealthy Nigerians to emulate his example.
Beyond Philanthropy: A Model for National Development
Femi Otedola’s gesture goes beyond a single act of generosity — it is a model for how private sector leaders can actively transform Nigeria’s educational landscape.
By investing in tangible academic infrastructure, Otedola demonstrates that sustainable national development begins with empowering universities to train skilled and innovative graduates.
His support aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education to drive industrialization, innovation, and economic growth.
The Bigger Picture: The Role of Private Philanthropy in Education
In recent years, funding for tertiary education in Nigeria has faced significant challenges due to rising inflation, infrastructural deficits, and limited government resources. Otedola’s ₦4 billion donation therefore sets a powerful precedent, showing how private philanthropy can complement public funding to enhance learning outcomes.
Experts believe this act could encourage more collaborations between universities and corporate organizations in Nigeria, leading to better educational facilities, improved research output, and higher employability rates among graduates.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy in Nigerian Education
Femi Otedola’s ₦4 billion donation to Augustine University is not merely a financial gift — it is a legacy investment in the future of Nigerian education. His unwavering dedication to nurturing academic excellence, particularly in engineering and technology, stands as a beacon of inspiration to other philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
As Augustine University prepares to mark its next decade, this landmark contribution promises to redefine its academic landscape, empower students, and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to produce world-class engineers and innovators.
Indeed, Otedola’s vision and generosity will echo for generations, proving that true wealth is measured not by what we accumulate, but by the lives and institutions we transform.
