The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has officially inaugurated the Ojaja University Ile-Ife Campus, dedicating the institution to the service of humanity as part of activities marking his 10th Coronation Anniversary.
Speaking at the ceremony held on the university grounds, the monarch urged education stakeholders to view the establishment of universities not as profit-making ventures but as generational investments in national development and human upliftment.
‘Legacy Outlives Wealth and Position’ — Ooni
Reflecting on the long journey of the institution, Ooni Ogunwusi recalled its origins from Ilorin, Kwara State, explaining that he stepped in six years ago to prevent the collapse of the former Crown Hill University project.
“There is nothing in this world if you don’t create a legacy for yourself. Wealth and positions can fade, but legacy lasts forever,” he said.
The Ooni said the Ile-Ife campus now boasts over 40 structures, a transformation from a decade ago when the site had none.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who attended the event, praised the Ooni for his dedication to empowering younger generations.
“This university has been built by the Ooni for humanity. I am grateful to Almighty Allah that in our time, we have leaders like him who are truly committed to enhancing the lives of our people,” he said.
The Sultan encouraged Nigerians to continue praying for the country’s leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, governors, and traditional rulers, whom he described as closest to the people.
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Lere Baale, described the Ooni as a visionary monarch who has become a pioneer among African traditional rulers in using higher education as a tool for generational empowerment.
He highlighted the continent’s youthful population—over 60% under age 25—and warned that without quality education, Africa risks a demographic crisis.
“It is for this reason that the Ooni decided to make a massive investment in education through Ojaja University,” he said, adding that the institution is preparing to deploy AI technology to promote indigenous knowledge systems, including IFA Divination, pending approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Ojaja University, Prof. Jeleel Ojuade, described the Ile-Ife Campus as the cultural and creative hub of the institution.
He said the campus will host programmes in Mass Communication, Broadcasting, Film and Multimedia Studies, Public Relations, Yoruba Language, Music, and Theatre Arts.
“Here, culture meets innovation. Heritage meets technology. Creativity meets global relevance,” he said.
The event drew prominent traditional leaders and distinguished personalities, including:
Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi
Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin
Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Kayode Adedeji
Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole
Iyalaje Oodua, Chief Toyin Kolade
Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, Dr. Afolashade Shona-Aluko
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