The family of the late Engineer Ayobami Abdurafii Oladejo has donated a substantial collection of engineering books to The Polytechnic, Ibadan, fulfilling his final wish and leaving a lasting legacy in the field of education.
The donation, carried out in accordance with the late engineer’s will, was presented to the institution during a brief but emotional ceremony attended by family members, friends, and academic staff. Leading the delegation were his widow, Alhaja Salamotu Mosebolatan Oladejo, and his lifelong friend, Pharmacist Timothy Olubode Okewale.
Describing the gesture as a reflection of Oladejo’s enduring commitment to national development and education, Okewale said, “We were more than friends. I am a Christian and he was a Muslim, yet he entrusted me with his final wishes. That tells you the depth of our bond and the kind of man he was—brilliant, compassionate, and purpose-driven.”
Receiving the donation on behalf of the institution, Acting Rector Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi expressed deep gratitude and noted the symbolic significance of the gift.
“Engineer Oladejo was neither an alumnus nor a former staff member, yet he chose to remember us in his will. That alone is inspiring,” Dr. Lasisi said. “He has etched his name into our history, and generations of students will benefit from this generosity.”
To honour the late engineer, Dr. Lasisi announced that a section of the Engineering Library would be named after him. He also revealed that the institution would be presenting a posthumous award in recognition of Oladejo’s outstanding contributions to engineering education in Nigeria.
In her tribute, Alhaja Salamotu Oladejo described her late husband as a man of great vision and integrity who became a certified engineer at age 27 and remained a respected figure throughout his life.
“Even in preparing for his passing, he thought of how his knowledge could continue to impact future generations,” she said. “His wish was that these books educate students who will help build the Nigeria of our dreams.”
Others present at the ceremony included his son, Mr. Ololade Oladejo; family friend Mr. Oladapo Rasheed; academic staff from the Faculty of Engineering; senior librarians; and several students, who expressed appreciation for the donation.
Born on September 2, 1957, in the Beere area of Ibadan, Engineer Oladejo began his education at C.A.C. Primary School, Olugbode, before proceeding to Prospect High School, Abanla. He studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and graduated in 1979. He later obtained an MBA from Lagos State University and an MSc in Information Technology from OAU.
His professional career spanned the Oyo State Ministry of Works and Unilever Nigeria Plc, where he worked until his retirement. A recipient of both Western State and Federal Government scholarships, Oladejo was widely recognized for his excellence and dedication.
The donation is expected to inspire a culture of giving among professionals and alumni toward strengthening Nigeria’s educational institutions.
