The University of Ibadan has officially unveiled the newly renovated Faculty of Education Common Room, a project generously sponsored by the Managing Director and CEO of Accessible Publishers Limited, Mr. Gbadega Adedapo.
The commissioning, held on Thursday, honoured Mr. Gbadega Adedapo by naming the facility after him, with several university administrators, staff, alumni, students, and key stakeholders in attendance.
In his address at the event, the publisher reaffirmed his commitment to education and reflected on the long-standing relationship between his firm and the university community. “Our decision to undertake this project stems directly from our shared belief in education’s value. This is not our first partnership with this great institution,” he said.
He also praised the outgoing Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Olufemi Adegbesan, for initiating the project. “What we are seeing here today is the result of Professor Adegbesan’s positive thinking and determination, as well as his passion for adding value to the university through the Faculty of Education,” Adedapo noted, hinting at future collaborations. “This commissioning is not an end, but a step forward.”
Professor Adegbesan, whose tenure ends July 31, thanked faculty members and the university management for their support during his administration and in bringing the project to completion.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, Dr. Mercy Iroaganachi described Mr. Adedapo as “a philanthropist of rare breed.” She praised his contribution to the academic and socio-economic development of the university, saying: “Mr. Adedapo has not just given us a room, he has given us a reason to remember that greatness is rooted in giving.”
Faculty members who toured the renovated space lauded it as a model of effective private-sector partnership. “This is a bold and beautiful development,” one professor noted.
Equipped with modern furniture and facilities, the refurbished Common Room is expected to enhance the comfort and productivity of academic staff.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Adedapo expressed appreciation for the opportunity to contribute and encouraged UI alumni to support their alma mater, especially in the face of limited government funding. “Giving back to the institution that shaped us is essential,” he said. “We don’t have to wait for titles to make an impact.”
