…Sanwo-Olu directs an immediate intervention to address LASU’s power challenges
The Federal Ministry of Education on Wednesday announced that by next year, all tertiary institutions in Nigeria will run on mini-grids that will make them fully energy-sufficient.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known at the commissioning of the newly built Olatunji Bello Auditorium, a 550-capacity multi-purpose hall donated to the Lagos State University (LASU), Epe campus, by the Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Olatunji Bello.
Alausa said, “The President has committed that by this time next year, literally all tertiary institutions in the country will have mini-grids that will make them energy sufficient. We need this to unleash the capabilities of our youth in the area of research, technology, and everything they do.”
He revealed that a 5MW mini-grid has already been approved for LASU’s Epe campus, while TETFund will deliver an 11MW mini-grid for the main campus.
The Minister praised donor Bello for building the 550-seater ultra-modern auditorium, calling it “a living testament to how visionary citizens can shape institutions and inspire generations.”
In his speech, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who commissioned the project, directed an immediate intervention to address LASU’s power challenges, announcing that a dedicated 5-megawatt power supply will soon be delivered to the institution.
The governor said the power project was part of broader efforts to resolve electricity shortages in Epe. “This campus, in the very near future, will be seeing a five-megawatt dedicated power supply. It will bring an end to the electricity challenge here and provide a more conducive environment for learning and research,” he assured.
He praised Bello, who was a former Lagos State Commissioner, Secretary to the State Government, lawyer and journalist, for keeping his pledge to invest in education despite economic headwinds.
“This magnificent edifice is more than a building; it is a beacon of knowledge, creativity, cultural exchange and intellectual engagement. It stands as a testament to giving back to society,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He further disclosed that in the next 60 days, his administration would commission the largest university library in Nigeria at LASU’s Ojo main campus, alongside other student-friendly facilities.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to strengthening LASU’s place as Nigeria’s foremost state university. With projects like these, our vision of a globally competitive institution is within reach,” he added.
In his goodwill message, former Ogun State governor, Aremu Olusegun Osoba, described the project as a mark of gratitude and selflessness.
According to him, many Nigerians spend hundreds of millions on parties for milestone birthdays, but Bello decided to channel such resources into a project that will benefit education and society.
“We Nigerians will say things are hard, yet I still go to parties where decoration alone costs about ₦200 million, and food not less than ₦500 million. Tunji could have chosen to celebrate lavishly, but he decided to put that money to the use of humanity. For this, we thank God for his life,” Osoba said.
Osoba, who noted that he has shared a long bond of friendship with Bello since their days as journalists, described him as “a man of honour who has remained committed to humanity and education.”
In a lighter mood, the elder statesman teased Bello over his membership of the Organisation of Past Editors Club (OPEC), a group of veteran journalists. He joked that despite his long-standing request, he had not been inducted into the club and appealed to Bello to use his “executive powers” as chairman to facilitate his inclusion.
He concluded by commending Bello’s contributions to education and society, stressing that such acts of service reflect the values of the South-West.
“We are celebrating a man who has given to society, a man doing everything possible to elevate education. That is the hallmark of those of us from the South-West,” he said.
Explaining why he embarked on the project, Bello said the gesture was his way of investing in posterity rather than fleeting personal celebrations.
“By choosing to invest the money through sowing the seed in the vineyard of knowledge, I believe we are invariably preserving my 60th birthday cake in a way that it will be shared and savoured by many generations to come,” he said.
He revealed that the idea was first suggested by his wife, LASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, and that construction began in 2021 with the support of friends and associates who converted their intended birthday gifts into cash donations.
Despite facing financial challenges due to inflation and rising costs, Bello said he remained committed, even selling his property to ensure the project was completed.
“Certainly, the government alone cannot do it. Private individuals who really have the means should invest in public tertiary education to create more opportunities,” he added.
Bello also urged students to maximise the facility, drawing inspiration from the inscription at the entrance: “Investment in education pays the best interest.”
Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, in her welcome address, called on the state to urgently intervene in solving the chronic electricity challenge facing the university’s Epe campus.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello said the lack of reliable power supply remains the campus’s greatest challenge despite significant infrastructural upgrades.
“Our most pressing challenge remains power supply. The chronic inadequacy of electricity from the national grid compels us to expend significant resources on alternative power generation for our faculty, staff, and students,” she said.
The Vice Chancellor urged Sanwo-Olu to facilitate the extension of a 33KVA power line from Itam to the Epe campus, which she said would “dramatically improve our power capacity and reduce the institutional burden of generating alternative electricity.”
While acknowledging other ongoing projects and the contributions of philanthropists such as Bello and the Oloja of Epe, Oba Rodin Ishola Animashaun, the LASU VC emphasized that sustained investment in critical infrastructure like power would be the game-changer for the institution.
“Excellence demands continuous investments. To truly transform this campus into a world-class institution that matches our national reputation, substantial strategic interventions remain necessary,” she added.
The Project Manager, Dr. Akinkuemi Ayinla, described the auditorium as an architectural masterpiece that blends modern functionality with Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
According to him, the journey of the project began in 2021 with the design phase, followed by construction in 2022, and eventual completion in April 2025.
Dr. Ayinla explained that the auditorium’s design was inspired by two key elements including Bello’s well-known love for serene landscapes and Nigeria’s Yoruba heritage.
“We integrated the building with its surrounding greenery to create harmony with nature. At the same time, we drew inspiration from Yoruba Adire textile patterns, not just as decoration, but as a core element of the building’s architectural identity,” he said.
The subtle integration of indigenous motifs, he noted, was intended to challenge young scholars to embrace culture in innovative ways and reimagine how tradition can shape modern architecture.
The 550-seater hall comes equipped with pocket writing platforms for lectures and seminars, while an overhead gallery enhances its capacity and flexibility. A modern stage with cloakrooms and dedicated facilities ensures the space can host diverse events ranging from academic symposia to theatrical performances.
The ground floor houses three 30-seater classrooms that can be merged into a larger space, alongside open-plan offices adaptable for administrative or academic use. Male and female conveniences are strategically located throughout the building for accessibility and comfort.
Structurally, the auditorium is built on a reinforced concrete frame, with block partition walls to improve acoustics and thermal efficiency. Large glazed windows provide natural light, while the steel-framed roof, clad with aluminium sheets, ensures durability against the elements.
Present at the commissioning ceremony were notable dignitaries from both federal and state levels, alongside political leaders, technocrats, and traditional rulers. Among them were the Deputy Governor of Lagos state, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, members of the House of Representatives, including Wale Raji, Dr Paul Kalejaye, and Oshun Olanrewaju.
The Lagos State Government was well represented with Rashid Shabi of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Bode Agoro, Head of Service, and Mr. Tolani Sule, Commissioner for Tertiary Education.
Others included Mr. Adeniran Kasali, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Education, and Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State. Also gracing the occasion were Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Babatunde Irukera, former CEO and Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and Mr. Adeniji Kazim, SAN, a former cabinet member and Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
The traditional institution was equally represented by the Oloja of Epe, Alaiyeluwa Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun.
Media friends include the Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation Newspaper, Sam Omatseye, Sanya Oni, Tunji Adegbenga among others.
