Founder of KDU bemoans Nigeria’s state of education, inaugurates senate building

The founder and chancellor of KolaDaisi University, (KDU), Ibadan, Bashorun of Ibadan land, Chief Kola Daisi, has bemoaned the situation of education in the country, saying that the state of education in Nigeria is at its lowest ebb.

While asserting that there had been a grave set back in the educational system, he noted that it was a mere reflection of the overall degradation of the entire system in the country.

“We had a totally different environment when we were growing up in terms of education and we saw it all when it was degenerating, Compared to our time, it was a paradigm, which is totally different from what it is today, ” he said.

Chief Kola Daisi, who made the observation recently at the inauguration ceremony of the Senate Building of KDU expressed joy at the opportunity, he noted was bestowed upon him by God Almighty to witness while still alive.

“I feel happy, accomplished and grateful to God for granting me the grace to witness today,” he said.

Reminiscing with nostalgia on the feat before cutting the tape, he said, “building a befitting senate building for the institution was a dream come true for me, adding “I love challenges and where there is none, I always like to create one for myself and as result from time to time, I always have something to be proud of including what we are all witnessing today.”

He thanked all his friends and well wishers for always standing by him, saying “though I was from a family of four comprising my parents, my sister and I, I have never lacked company of people who would encourage me, showed admiration, even when there was nothing to admire. They have all stood by me, spurred me on, and sustained my spirit of adventure.”

Speaking at the event, the pro-chancellor, Mr Remi Babalola, said the construction of the Senate Building in the growing institution “demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the founder and chancellor and by extension the university leadership towards providing a conducive environment for academic pursuits, fostering intellectual growth and nurturing future leaders.”

He lauded the relentless efforts of the founder saying, “Our profound gratitude goes to Bashorun Kola Daisi, ‘the father of the University” as this is akin to the nomenclature given to the former US President Thomas Jefferson, who founded the University of Virginia, USA in 1819.”

He also appreciated the Kola Daisi Foundation and those whose dedication had made the project and delivery a reality, stating “your support has been invaluable and this achievement is a testament to our collective vision and determination.”

Chairman, Board of Trustees, Professor Adeniyi Osuntoogun in his address harped on the significance of a senate building in a university community, noting that “it is an important aspect of a university life, as a university without a senate building is not a befitting one.

“It is there you have the central administration with the vice chancellor and his team. It is the top decision-making unit of an institution coupled with other activities such as promotion of both academic and administrative duties of the university.”

“We hope that as we inaugurate the building, it will continue to improve the progress and welfare of the staff of the university.”

In his remarks, the vice chancellor, Professor Adeniyi Olatubosun, hinted that the construction of the edifice took place within the space of 14months, noting “the foundation-laying ceremony of the edifice took place on Thursday, 7, Dec, 2023,  today Thursday 6, February, 2025,  making one year and two months (14 months).”

According to him, “the senate building represents more than just a physical structure, it symbolises our commitment to academic excellence, innovation and community service.

“It serves as a hub for intellectual discourse, a beacon for scholarship and a testament to our institution’s unwavering pursuit of knowledge. It also depicts the flagship of governance, administration, the symbol of organogram and structure of the university.”

He assured of the management steadfastness in abounding in the aspirations of the founder, appreciating him for his benevolence in giving the university a befitting edifice and monumental legacy.

He extolled the virtue of the Matriarch of Kola Daisi dynasty, late Alhaja Sherifat Agbeke for her support which spurred the founder to embark on the establishment of the university, as well as other notable friends and associates of the founder for the significant roles played in the journey of KolaDaisi University.

They included, late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe, among others.

Among the special dignitaries who graced the occasion were, former, VC, UI, Professor, Olufemi Bamiro; former, registrar UI, Professor Mojisola Ladipo; Bishop of Anglican Diocese, Ibadan, Bishop Solomon Amusan; Chief Imam Central Mosque, Idikan, Imam Abdul Ganiyu Owodunni; Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Oniroko of Iroko Land, Oba Ismaila Abioye; Alakinyele of Akinyele, Oba (Dr) James Oluyemi Adeyemi; KDU management team, among others principal officials of the institutions.