By Friday Idachaba Lokoja.
Engineer Joseph Oyeyani Makoju Foundation has flagged off the construction of a 250-
seat capacity Lecture Theatre to be known as Engr J.O. Makoju Memorial Hall as a donation to the Federal University, Lokoja (FUL).
Performing the Ground Breaking ceremony on Saturday at Felele Campus of the University in Lokoja, the Head of the Foundation, Mr Enesi Makoju said the ceremony was deliberately planned to coincide with the late icon’s post-humous 76th Birthday.
Enesi expresses deep gratitude to the University and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, for providing the opportunity to establish the memorial in honor of his late father.
He emphasized the significance of the opportunity and acknowledged the university’s willingness to align itself in a shared commitment by establishing a legacy and memorial that reflect his father’s reputation, ideals and values.
The family heir explained that the decision to build the Lecture Theatre in memory of his father was driven by a desire to align the memorial with a common passion shared by his parents in values and dedication to Education.
Enesi, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Foundation, revealed that his mother, Dr Mrs. Gladys A.E. Makoji, holds a PhD in Education and had a long and distinguished career and retired as a Director from the Federal Ministry of Education.
He highlighted his mother’s contributions as a teacher, researcher, and her extensive work with organizations like UNICEF, the United Nations, and the World Bank for over 30 years.
“On behalf of the family and on behalf of the Foundation, I would like to make a verbal declaration of our commitment to fulfilling this project. We will do all we can to provide the funding as necessary. We will work with the University.
“And by the grace of God, as the Vice-Chancellor has said, we will do everything possible to make sure that by the time we’re holding the next memorial lecture, it will be in this building”, he said.
Dr (Mrs) Gladys Makoju, the Matriarch of the Makoju family in her remarks, expressed the family’s delight and gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and the University management for the opportunity to undertake the project.
She said it was one thing to have a desire and resources to do something and quite another to have the opportunity do it, adding that FUL provided the needed opportunity for the realisation of the family’s passion to advance the cause of Education for the youth.
The Matriarch used the opportunity to announce the institution of awards and grants for annual Best Female Performing Student in Science and Technology, especially in Artificial intelligence (AI).
According to her, there is a rolling grant for sponsorship of one Ph.D student every year, Best Performing Girl in Engineering (AI), another for a boy and a separate award for girls specifically in STEM fields adding that sufficient funds had been set aside for the purpose.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, extolled the Matriarch of the Makoju family, Dr (Mrs.) Gladys Makoju saying the ceremony was a testament of her enduring commitment to the advancement of education.
He expressed the University’s profound gratitude to her and the entire Makoju family saying, “Your generous donation will not only enhance our campus infrastructure but also significantly enrich the academic experience of our students.
“Today, as we lay the foundation for this new facility, we also honour the memory of the late Engr. Joseph Oyeyani Makoju, whose posthumous birthday coincides with this very day.
“His legacy of service and philanthropy will forever be etched in the annals of our university’s history. In recognition of his invaluable contributions, the Federal University Lokoja will immortalize Engr. Joseph Oyeyani Makoju by naming this lecture theatre in his honour.
“The benefits of this new lecture theatre to our university community are manifold. It will provide a modern, conducive environment for learning, enabling us to host larger classes, seminars, and special events.
“This facility will also serve as a hub for intellectual exchange, fostering a vibrant academic culture and promoting collaborative research and innovation”, the VC pointed out.
Earlier in his project review, Dr Ogwu J. Onoja (SAN) represented by Architect Umar Kutal said the 250-seater Lecture Theatre would be one of the most beautiful in modern times.
According to him, the theatre will be fitted with solar inverter for all-time electricity, full air-conditioning, ground floor audios, a galleria and other facilities with a big hall displaying achievements of Late Engr Joseph Oyeyani Makoju.
Highlight of the occasion was the Sod Turning Ceremony performed by Mr Enesi Makoju; the Matriarch, Dr (Mrs) Gladys Makoju and the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi.