Chief Tunde Fanimokun, a retired Permanent Secretary in Lagos State (popularly called the Super Perm Sec) has pledged a gift of N18bn to the Lagos State University (LASU).
This personal philanthropic intervention is inclusive of property worth N3bn in a highbrow area in Surulere, Lagos.
This was his initial declaration while delivering the 2025 LASU Distinguished Personality Lecture at the Makanjuola Lecture Theatre podium on the Ojo Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.
Furthermore, as part of the activities marking the University of Lagos (UNILAG) 2024 convocation ceremonies, the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) held a groundbreaking ceremony for the ultramodern Fanimokun SPGS building.
The new site, located next to the UNILAG Human Resources and Development Centre (HRDC), was donated by Chief Tunde Fanimokun, a renowned administrator and developmental economist.
In addition to the SPGS building, Chief Fanimokun pledged to donate a Language Laboratory, establish a Professorial Chair in Gerontology, and support infrastructure development for student hostels and staff housing.
Speaking at the event, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, commended Chief Fanimokun for his generosity. “We are excited. All these happened from late November to December 2024. Everything we had dreamed of happened auspiciously. Thank you, sir, for not forgetting us,” she said.
Chief Fanimokun, who celebrated his 80th birthday, described the project as a reflection of his lifelong commitment to education and development.
“I call myself a pensioner. I learned a lot about entrepreneurship from Jakande, the pillar for development in Nigeria. What I’m doing now is in celebration of my 80th birthday, thanking God for the little achievements, and for launching my foundation, the Divine Stock Exchange Foundation.
“I want to revive educational standards that is why I did what I did. I am doing five projects for UNILAG,” he said.
The Dean, of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Abraham Osinubi, described the project as the actualization of the vision to reposition postgraduate studies in UNILAG.
While appreciating the benefactor of the edifice, Prof. Osinubi noted that the project, when completed, would inspire educators to deliver world-class postgraduate education, mentor with purpose, and lead with vision.
“The building would stand as a beacon of hope, a temple of knowledge, and a sanctuary where dreams are nurtured and destinies are shaped.
“Chief Fanimokun, we cannot thank you enough, but we will honour your legacy by ensuring that this building becomes a cradle of innovation, collaboration, and excellence,” he said.
