In an unprecedented and heartwarming display of alumni loyalty and national pride, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has fulfilled the first phase of her generous pledge to her alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
Exactly one year after announcing her commitment during a grand commemorative event, the University took delivery of 21 brand-new shuttle buses on Friday, 10th October, 2025 marking a significant stride toward modernizing the institution’s beleaguered internal transportation system.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, revealed that this unprecedented gesture, part of a total pledge of 50 buses, has sparked jubilant celebrations across the sprawling campus, where students and staff alike hailed it as a beacon of hope for safer, more dignified mobility.
The story traces back to October 2024, when Senator Tinubu, an illustrious graduate of OAU, graced the University grounds to attend the 50th birthday anniversary celebration of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni’risa (Dr.) Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II.
Amid the festivities, the First Lady voiced profound concern over the many commercial motorcycles – popularly known as ‘Okada’ – as the primary mode of intra-campus transport. “This is not befitting of a 21st-century world-class African University,” she remarked at the time, highlighting the risks and inefficiencies that plagued the system.
Moved by her deep-rooted connection to the institution, she pledged to support its overhaul by donating shuttle buses, envisioning a fleet that would enhance safety, complement the University’s iconic aesthetics, and foster a more conducive environment for learning , culture and innovation.
The arrival of the initial tranche of white-coloured buses on October 10, 2025, transformed pledge into reality, drawing throngs of excited onlookers as the vehicles gleamed under the Ife sun.
Leading the reception was the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, who, alongside key members of the University management, conducted a ceremonial test drive around the campus. The sight of the white, sleek, modern buses navigating the tree-lined avenues evoked cheers from students perched on balconies and staff pausing in their daily routines, symbolizing a new era for OAU’s mobility infrastructure.
Speaking, Professor Bamire expressed profound gratitude, describing the donation as “a luminous act of benevolence that illuminates the path toward institutional excellence.” He lauded Senator Tinubu’s foresight, noting, “This is not merely a gift of vehicles; it is a profound investment in the future of our scholars and the soul of our University. As an alumnus herself, the First Lady understands the heartbeat of OAU – the aspirations, the challenges, and the unyielding pursuit of greatness.”
Elaborating on the transformative impact, the Vice-Chancellor painted a vivid picture of change. “For too long, our transportation architecture has been tethered to the precarious whims of Okada riders, exposing our community to needless hazards on roads that should be sanctuaries of safety. These 21 shuttle buses, with the promise of 29 more to follow, will revolutionize our internal mobility. They will establish dedicated routes connecting lecture halls, hostels, administrative blocks, and recreational spaces, reducing congestion and minimizing accidents. Imagine students arriving at classes without the dust and danger of open-air rides, or staff commuting in comfort that befits their dedication. This donation will drastically enhance road safety by phasing out unregulated motorcycles, enforcing structured timetables, and integrating eco-friendly practices that align with our vision of a sustainable campus. It is a paradigm shift that elevates OAU from reliance on outdated modes to a model of modern efficiency, ensuring that every journey within our gates is as enriching as the education we provide.”
Professor Bamire went further, emphasizing the broader ripple effects. “Beyond transportation, this initiative fosters a sense of community and pride. It will alleviate the physical strain on our roads, promote inclusivity for those with mobility challenges, and even contribute to environmental stewardship by curbing emissions from countless bikes. In essence, it is a catalyst for holistic institutional advancement, reminding us that true progress is built on partnerships that transcend generations.”
In a stirring call to action, the Vice-Chancellor urged fellow alumni to emulate Senator Tinubu’s example. “OAU’s journey toward greater heights demands collective effort. As we intensify our drive for institutional development – through upgraded facilities, cutting-edge research, and global collaborations – I implore our distinguished graduates across the globe to lend their support. Whether through endowments, mentorship, or innovative contributions, let us all rally to nurture this citadel of knowledge that shaped us. Together, we can ensure OAU remains a shining emblem of African intellectual prowess.”
This development comes at a pivotal time for Nigerian Universities, grappling with funding constraints and infrastructural deficits. Senator Tinubu’s intervention not only addresses a pressing need but also sets a precedent for public figures to invest in education, inspiring hope that more such acts of philanthropy will follow. As the buses begin their service, OAU stands poised on the cusp of a brighter, safer tomorrow – an evidence and affirmation of the enduring power of one alumnus’s vision.
