Build universities for legacy purposes, not profiteering, Ooni tells investors
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has said that establishing a university is one of the most challenging investments anyone can undertake, stressing that it should never be seen as a profit-making venture.
Speaking during his 10th coronation anniversary and the official unveiling of Ojaja University, Ile-Ife Campus, the monarch emphasized that anyone who goes into university ownership expecting to make money is mistaken.
“Exactly five years ago, we started pushing. It was a very challenging investment. Anyone who sets up a university, don’t think you are going to make money from it—it’s a lie. Rather, turn it into a legacy project,” he said.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar, who joined the monarch in the celebration, said the Ooni’s vision stood as a reminder of what true leadership should be.
Noting that leaving a legacy is the best one can do in life, the monarch urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country, President Bola Tinubu, governors, all leaders in office, and, most importantly, traditional rulers.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jeleel Olasunkanmi Ojuade, described the unveiling as more than a physical institution; it is the consecration of an idea—a citadel envisioned to shape Africa’s intellectual, cultural, and technological destiny.
According to him, the Ile-Ife campus will host programmes in Mass Communication, Broadcasting, Film and Multimedia Studies, Public Relations, Yoruba Language, Music, and Theatre Arts.
The Pro-Chancellor, Professor Lere Baale, described the Ooni as a global cultural leader whose investment in education is poised to shape generations.
