First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has fulfilled the first phase of her commitment to her alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, by donating 21 brand-new shuttle buses to the institution.
This was disclosed in a statement by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, on Sunday in Ile-Ife.
Olarewaju said the donation forms part of the 50 buses the First Lady pledged to provide, noting that the first batch was delivered exactly one year after the announcement during a grand commemorative event.
He explained that the initiative represents a major milestone in modernising the university’s internal transport system.
According to him, the idea originated in October 2024 when Senator Tinubu, while attending the 50th birthday celebration of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, expressed concern about the use of commercial motorcycles as the primary mode of transport within the campus.
“This is not befitting of a 21st-century world-class African university,” she had remarked at the time, pledging to support an overhaul of the system through the donation of 50 shuttle buses to improve safety, efficiency, and aesthetics.
Olarewaju said the arrival of the initial fleet of white-coloured buses on October 10 drew excitement across the campus as students and staff gathered to witness the symbolic delivery.
Leading the reception, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Bamire, described the gesture as “a luminous act of benevolence that illuminates the path toward institutional excellence.”
He said the First Lady’s contribution goes beyond transportation, representing “a profound investment in the future of our scholars and the soul of our university.”
Bamire emphasised that the buses will replace the reliance on motorcycles, which have exposed students and staff to unnecessary risks. He noted that 29 more buses will be delivered to complete the pledged 50.
He added that the new vehicles would operate on designated routes linking lecture halls, hostels, administrative offices, and recreation centres, reducing congestion and promoting safety.
“These shuttle buses will revolutionise our internal mobility. Students will now arrive at classes safely and comfortably, while staff can commute with dignity,” he said.
According to him, the initiative will also support environmental sustainability by reducing emissions from motorcycles and fostering inclusivity for those with mobility challenges.
The Vice-Chancellor called on other alumni to emulate the First Lady’s gesture, saying OAU’s growth depends on collective contributions.
“As we strengthen our institutional development through modern facilities, cutting-edge research, and global partnerships, I appeal to our graduates worldwide to support this citadel of learning,” he said.
He added that the donation comes at a crucial time for Nigerian universities facing financial and infrastructural challenges, commending Senator Tinubu for setting a worthy precedent in educational philanthropy.
(NAN)