In an emotionally charged moment at the 29th Convocation Ceremony of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Mr. Olufunbi Olowolafe, representing his father, the Chancellor of the university, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, delivered a speech that was a tribute and a call to action.
Addressing graduates, faculty members, and dignitaries, he announced the launch of the Gbemisola Olowolafe Memorial Foundation, an initiative dedicated to advancing medical research and improving healthcare outcomes in Nigeria.
In a landmark moment for the graduating class, Olufunbi announced a grant of N500,000 for each of the 121 First-Class graduates, totalling N60.5 million in academic support.
The initiative, he emphasised, was not just about rewarding excellence but about encouraging young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to society.
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The foundation, named in honor of Olufunbi’s late mother, Mrs. Gbemisola Olowolafe, will focus on three key pillars: funding scientific research, advocating for health awareness, and developing a Nigerian genetic database to close the gap in global medical research.
Mrs. Olowolafe, a biologist and philanthropist, was deeply committed to education and the fight against genetic disorders like sickle cell disease and cancer.
“My mother was not only a scientist; she was a giver—someone who believed that knowledge must be used for the benefit of others,” Olufunbi stated.
“Her dream was to see a world where diseases no longer hold us back. This foundation is our way of ensuring that her legacy continues, driving innovation and ensuring Nigerian lives are represented in the future of medicine.”
The audience listened intently as he spoke, with many moved by the personal significance of his words.
He revealed that his mother had passed away on March 11th after a courageous battle with leukemia, a loss that had only strengthened his resolve to push for greater advancements in healthcare.
“The foundation is committed to you—Nigeria’s best and brightest minds,” he declared. “Education should not be just for personal success; it should be a tool to build a better future. We want you to use your talents to uplift communities, solve real-world problems, and be part of something greater.”
The announcement was met with resounding applause, as students and faculty members acknowledged the profound impact of the Olowolafe family’s contributions to education and research.
EKSU’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, lauded the initiative, describing it as a historic moment for the university. He praised the Olowolafe family’s continued commitment to EKSU, noting that their support had already transformed the institution in many ways. Under the leadership of Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, the university has seen over N210 million in annual investments in faculty development, research funding, and infrastructure.
This year’s convocation saw 16,446 students graduate, including 200 First-Class honorees. EKSU was recently ranked Nigeria’s top state university by Times Higher Education and has expanded its academic offerings to include Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programs.
As the ceremony concluded, Professor Ayodele, the first EKSU alumnus to serve as Vice Chancellor, encouraged graduates to embrace their future with confidence. “The same God who brought me here in 1992 as a fresh graduate brought me back as Vice Chancellor. He will make a way for you too,” he assured them.
For the Class of 2025, Olufunbi’s message was clear: “You are the future—scientists, leaders, innovators. Join us in building a healthier, stronger Nigeria.”