AGF urges private sector support for varsities as Ali Olanusi donates hostel

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has urged wealthy Nigerians and corporate organisations to invest in university infrastructure, saying government alone cannot meet the growing needs of tertiary institutions.

Fagbemi made the appeal in Supare-Akoko, Ondo State, during the commissioning of a 100-bed students’ hostel donated to Sam Maris University by a former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, who is also the Asiwaju of Supare-Akoko.

The facility, named Yeye Bejide Olanusi Students’ Hostel in honour of the donor’s late wife, was formally handed over to the university at a ceremony attended by government officials, traditional rulers and other dignitaries. The AGF commended the university’s Founder and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Mr. Sam T. Ologunorisa (SAN), for establishing the institution, describing the initiative as a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to community development.

He also praised Olanusi for supporting education and honouring his late wife through the donation. Fagbemi promised to draw President Bola Tinubu’s attention to the former deputy governor’s contribution, while highlighting the Nigerian Education Loan Fund scheme as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand access to higher education.

The minister also commended the Ondo State Government for constructing an access road to the university and urged the institution’s management to maintain its facilities and academic standards. He cautioned against overcrowding the new hostel, stressing the importance of proper management and maintenance to ensure its long-term usefulness.

In an address read by his son, Niran Olanusi, the donor said his decision to provide the hostel was driven by his belief that the vision and investment of Ologunorisa in establishing Sam Maris University deserved the support of well-meaning individuals in the community. He described the institution, which he identified as the first private university in Akokoland, as a platform for advancing Supare-Akoko through education, scholarship and innovation.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francis Gbore, said the hostel would help address the university’s accommodation challenges, noting that fewer than 20 per cent of its students had previously secured places in on-campus hostels. He said additional infrastructure was needed to improve students’ welfare and create a more conducive learning environment.

Gbore appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and philanthropists to support the university through infrastructure development, scholarships and research grants. He said such contributions would strengthen the institution’s capacity to provide quality education and advance its academic objectives.