GNA Congratulates Obafemi Awolowo University at 65

The Great Nigerian Assembly (GNA) proudly joins millions of alumni, students, faculty members, friends, and admirers across Nigeria and around the world in celebrating the 65th Anniversary of Obafemi Awolowo University (Formally University of Ife), Ile-Ife, one of Africa’s most distinguished institutions of higher learning and an enduring symbol of academic excellence, character formation, and national service.

A Living Monument to Visionary Education

Founded in 1961 as the University of Ife and later renamed in honor of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Africa’s foremost visionaries and tireless champions of education, the institution has remained a beacon of scholarship, innovation, character development, and national transformation for over six decades.

As the University marks this remarkable milestone, it stands as a shining testament to the enduring power of visionary leadership, quality education, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

For sixty-five years, OAU has not only educated minds but has shaped character, inspired innovation, and prepared leaders whose contributions continue to impact Nigeria, Africa, and the global community. Through generations of dedicated administrators, lecturers, researchers, and students, the University has consistently produced graduates who have distinguished themselves in academia, governance, technology, medicine, engineering, law, entrepreneurship, diplomacy, and virtually every sphere of human endeavor.

A Week of Celebration and Reflection

The University’s 65th Anniversary celebrations commenced with a high-profile press conference at the ICT Main Auditorium, where the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, alongside other Principal Officers of the University, unveiled a week-long programme designed to honour the institution’s rich history and remarkable achievements.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the 65th Anniversary Celebration Committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Adesola Aderounmu, reflected on the University’s journey from its humble beginnings to becoming one of Africa’s most respected centres of learning, research, innovation, and societal development.

According to Professor Aderounmu, the anniversary provides an opportunity not only to commemorate past achievements but also to recognise the sacrifices, vision, and dedication of the institution’s founding fathers and successive generations of leaders who have sustained its culture of excellence.

The celebrations feature the recognition of distinguished alumni, the commissioning of strategic projects, and the unveiling of future-focused programmes designed to strengthen the University’s global competitiveness and long-term impact.

Among the notable projects announced are the proposed ₦10 Billion PBAT Intercultural Dialogue and Youth Empowerment Centre, a landmark initiative expected to further promote youth development, intercultural understanding, and international collaboration, alongside a state-of-the-art 2,500-seat CBT Centre, a Clinical Legal Education Centre, and several other facilities aimed at enhancing teaching, learning, research, and community engagement.

“For sixty-five years, OAU has not only educated minds, it has shaped character, inspired innovation, and prepared leaders equipped to transform nations.”

A Special Connection: GNA, OAU, and a Shared Legacy of Leadership

The celebration carries special and personal significance for the Great Nigerian Assembly.

During an exclusive interview on GNA TV, the Executive Director of GNA, Dr. Kayode Elusoji, reflected on his longstanding relationship with Professor Adesola Aderounmu, Chairman of the University’s 65th Anniversary Celebration Committee.

Their association dates back to their undergraduate years at Obafemi Awolowo University, where they were classmates in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and were actively involved in student leadership and professional development.

Professor Aderounmu served on the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Association of Computer Science Students (NACOSS) during the late 1980s, when Dr. Elusoji served as President of the Association.

That leadership team also included Dr. Abiola Yussuf and Ms. Funke Adedeji, both of whom went on to become senior professionals with Shell Petroleum Development Company, and Mr. Kayode Ade-El, a highly respected Information Security professional based in the United Kingdom, among several other accomplished members.

Under their collective leadership, NACOSS experienced one of the most remarkable periods in its history. The team established new standards of excellence through pioneering initiatives, including:

The publication of a professionally produced departmental magazine

The mobilisation of resources to enhance the Computer Science Library

The provision of additional facilities and equipment to support practical learning within the Computer Laboratory

Many alumni continue to regard that era as one of the most successful and influential chapters in NACOSS history at OAU.

Reflecting on those years, Dr. Elusoji noted that the values of discipline, integrity, teamwork, innovation, excellence, and service cultivated within the University have continued to shape the lives and careers of many members of that generation.

Their enduring friendship and continued contributions to humanity stand as powerful reflections of the quality of leadership and character formation for which Obafemi Awolowo University is renowned.

OAU’s Impact on Nigeria and the World

Over sixty-five years, Obafemi Awolowo University has remained at the forefront of educational advancement, research innovation, scientific discovery, and national development.

Its graduates have become:

Vice-Chancellors

Professors

Governors

Ministers

Judges

Medical Specialists

Engineers

Scientists

Technology Executives

Diplomats

Entrepreneurs

Military Officers

Leaders of major organisations around the world

Beyond academics, OAU has continued to nurture critical thinking, foster innovation, and produce leaders equipped to solve complex societal challenges.

The University’s contribution to nation-building and human development remains one of its most enduring and celebrated legacies, and one that resonates deeply with the GNA’s own mission of citizen-driven national transformation.

Looking Ahead: Excellence Without Limits

As OAU celebrates sixty-five years of excellence, the focus is not merely on the past but firmly on the future.

The University continues to pursue strategic investments in:

Infrastructure

Research

Innovation

Technology

Entrepreneurship

Digital Transformation

Global Partnerships

These investments will further strengthen its position as a world-class institution.

The Great Nigerian Assembly commends the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, the Governing Council, Principal Officers, Faculty, Staff, Students, and the Alumni Association for their dedication and commitment.

We particularly salute Professor Bamire for his outstanding leadership and the entire University Management for their unwavering commitment to advancing the institution’s mission and vision.

We also express our appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, a distinguished alumna of Obafemi Awolowo University, for their continued support and contributions to the growth of education in Nigeria.

“May Great Ife continue to flourish. May its legacy inspire generations. May its graduates continue to transform nations.”

About the Great Nigerian Assembly

The GNA is a non-political and non-governmental global coalition of professional Nigerians from all walks of life, using their skills, knowledge, and capabilities to build the nation of our dreams through grassroots engagement, youth empowerment, and a specially crafted, technology-driven governance model designed to bridge the gap between the populace and the political class.

From its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, and through a network of committed Nigerians spanning six continents, the GNA is on a mission to build, one community, one Local Government Area (LGA), and one generation at a time.

GNA’s Message to Great Ife

On behalf of the Global Board of Trustees, Global Advisory Council, Professional Groups, Executive Leadership, and members of the Great Nigerian Assembly worldwide:

May the institution continue to flourish.

May its legacy continue to inspire generations.

May its graduates continue to transform nations.

May its vision continue to illuminate Africa and the world.

Happy 65th Anniversary, Great Ife!

Great Ife Lives On.

For Learning and Culture. For Excellence and Service. For Nigeria, Africa, and Humanity.