Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has paid glowing tribute to the late Bola Ajibola, founder of Crescent University, describing him as a man who devoted his life and resources to the growth of education and humanity.
Obasanjo gave the commendation on Saturday in Abeokuta during the university’s 20th Founder’s Day celebration, where 94 staff members were honoured with long service awards.
Those recognised include the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. R.O. Kareem; and the Registrar, Mr Zakariyya Ajibola, among others, for their contributions to the institution’s development over the past two decades.
The event also featured the presentation of the 2026 Bola Ajibola Community Service Awards to three distinguished Nigerians: Kamal’deen Akintunde, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Adeleye Oyebade, and Kazeem Bakinson.
Obasanjo described the late Ajibola as “a great man of Owu, Ogun and Nigeria,” whose commitment to the establishment and survival of the university remained unwavering throughout his lifetime.
He also commended the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prince Mohammed Maruf Adesegun Ajibola (SAN), for sustaining the legacy of his father.
In his remarks, the proprietor of the university appreciated members of staff for their dedication and belief in the vision of the founder, noting that the institution had recorded significant growth in infrastructure and student enrolment.
He called on well-meaning individuals to support the university’s continued development.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Gbajabiamila, said the university currently has over 3,500 students drawn from across the 36 states of the federation.
He disclosed that the institution had commenced the development of its College of Medicine, including the construction of a multi-million naira Medical Science Laboratory Complex donated by the Abdul Samad Foundation of BOA Group.
Gbajabiamila commended the staff for their loyalty and commitment, despite opportunities elsewhere.
Earlier, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Fola Lasisi, shared insights into the challenges and determination of the late founder in establishing the university, while praising current leadership for sustaining its vision.
Delivering the Founder’s Day Lecture titled “Collapse of the Rule-Based World Order: Whither International Law and Institutions,” the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof. Abdul-Qadir Abikan, expressed concern over the influence of powerful nations on global financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
Abikan noted that the conditions imposed by these institutions often prioritise fiscal discipline over state-building, thereby deepening the dependence of developing countries, particularly in Africa.
He emphasised the need for African nations to build local capacity in critical sectors such as food security, energy and industrialisation.
“A more industrialised, coordinated and self-reliant Africa would be better positioned to shape global rules rather than be subjected to them,” he said.
The high point of the event was the formal presentation of awards to the recipients, with Akintunde recognised for youth development and inter-faith harmony, Oyebade for security reform and community policing, and Bakinson for contributions to societal development and education.
The event was attended by prominent personalities, including the Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, among others.
