Ibidapo-Obe's widow says university will spur creativity and boost industrial development

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The Executive Director of the Oye Ibidapo-Obe Foundation for Educational Transformation, Mrs. Olushola Ibidapo-Obe, has said the proposed Oye Ibidapo-Obe Technical University will advance science, technology, innovation and industrial growth in Nigeria.

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Speaking in a statement on Wednesday, the widow of former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, the late Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, said plans were underway to realise one of his most ambitious dreams five years after his death.

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According to her, the proposed institution, located on a 150-acre site in Ilesa, Osun State, is designed to sustain Prof. Ibidapo-Obe’s lifelong commitment to technological advancement, research excellence and national development.

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She said the university would focus on emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Renewable Energy, Data Science, Information Systems and Industrial Innovation.

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“He wanted an institution that would produce the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers capable of driving Nigeria’s digital transformation and industrial growth,” she said.

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Mrs. Ibidapo-Obe disclosed that the university is currently undergoing the approval process of the National Universities Commission and expressed optimism that it would commence operations soon.

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She said the institution is expected to be formally unveiled on July 5, 2026, as part of activities marking the third biennial symposium of the Oye Ibidapo-Obe Foundation for Educational Transformation.

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According to her, the foundation remains committed to ensuring the highest standards in infrastructure, staffing and academic quality before the university begins operations.

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The proposed institution has already attracted support from friends, professional associates and development partners of the late scholar, with some pledging to provide critical infrastructure and technological facilities.

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Mrs. Ibidapo-Obe revealed that one benefactor had undertaken to construct the administrative block, while a financial institution had indicated interest in providing technological support.

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She listed priority projects for the university to include perimeter fencing, construction of the main gate, academic facilities and administrative structures.

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“We already have a pool of distinguished professors and academics who are prepared to join us in building a world-class institution,” she said.

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She added that beyond its academic objectives, the university is expected to stimulate economic growth in Osun State and the South-West region by creating employment opportunities and attracting investments.

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According to her, the institution will generate jobs for academic and non-academic staff while boosting sectors such as housing, hospitality, transportation, commerce and entrepreneurship.

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She also noted that the university would attract industries and investors seeking a skilled workforce and a research-driven environment.

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Explaining the choice of Ilesa as the host community, Mrs. Ibidapo-Obe said the decision was intended to honour the late professor’s roots and contribute to the development of his hometown.

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“My husband was from Ilesa and believed strongly in giving back to society. We felt establishing the university there would create lasting opportunities for young people and accelerate development in the area,” she said.

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She further disclosed that the foundation’s biennial symposium, which supports the university project, would bring together leading scholars, researchers and technology experts.

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The 2026 edition, themed ‘On Data Spaces for Big Data,’ will precede the unveiling of the university and is expected to attract participants from academia, industry and government.

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Expected speakers include Prof. David Olowokere of Texas Southern University, Prof. M.A. Rahman of Lagos State University, Engr. Dr. Comfort Oluwaseyi Folorunso of the University of Lagos, Dr. Ebenezer Akinyemi Ajayi, Dr. Tolu Aofolaju and Prof. Adetunji Philip Adewole.

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For Mrs. Ibidapo-Obe, the university represents more than an educational project.

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“I am banking on God and the Bible to preserve my husband’s vision. We have come a long way, and I believe this dream will soon become a reality,” she said.

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When operational, the Oye Ibidapo-Obe Technical University is expected to emerge as a centre for technological education, innovation and research, contributing to Nigeria’s industrialisation and global competitiveness.

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