By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic (SSANIP), Yabatech Chapter has commended Alhaji Tunde Fanimokun, a philanthropist, for donating N3.5 billion to build an Entrepreneurship Centre for the college.
The Chairman of SSANIP, Yabatech Chapter, Mr Jason Ayodeji, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that the donation was a welcome development that would add value to the students’ career paths.
NAN reports that the groundbreaking event, which held on Tuesday at the Yusuf Grillo Hall of the college, was in commemoration of Fanimokun’s 80th birthday.
Ayodeji said that the Union was delighted with the donation, which was in honour of late Wahab Folawiyo, the Founding Father of Yinka Folawiyo Conglomerate.
He said that the building which would be named “Folawiyo Entrepreneurship Centre”, would provide an enabling environment where students could be taught crucial life skills that would help them navigate the future.
According to him, an entrepreneurship centre plays a critical role in shaping the future of students.
He said that such centres fostered innovation and creativity among the students, whereby they explore and grow their entrepreneurial skills.
“This is a laudable step, we are happy and express our gratitude to Fanimokun.
“The Entrepreneurship Centre will provide the necessary resources, guidance and networking opportunities that will turn students’ ideas to successful ventures.
“The centre will be a distinguished four-storey building having four lecture theatres, with 320-sitting capacity in each; another with 500-sitting, 19 classrooms, office spaces for staff, various areas for vocational activities, and ample parking facilities,” he said.
The SSANIP chairman said that the union had noted efforts being put in place by Dr Ibraheem Abdul, the Rector, Yabatech, in securing such a significant endowment for the institution.
“The present administration under Dr Abdul has been doing a great job, this is another feat and we will continue to support his good work and activities to take the College to the next level,” he said.
The philanthropist, Fanimokun, retired as a Permanent Secretary with the Lagos State Civil Service before being employed as Executive Director, Projects, by late Folawiyo. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Christiana Fadare
