The University of Ibadan has opened its Business School, named the Aliko Dangote Complex, after billionaire Aliko Dangote.
The commissioning took place on Wednesday by Mr Dangote, represented by Ahmed Mansour, after he delivered the Third Eminent Person Business Lecture at the Trenchard Hall of the premier university
The Vice-Chancellor, Idowu Olayinka, disclosed that with the support of the Dangote Foundation “over 200 million has been spent on the complex.”
Commenting, Mr Mansour, who represented Mr Dangote, said, “We need people with clear knowledge of management principle. We hope this Centre will produce great entrepreneurs that will make a wave in the world of business.”
In her address, Halima Dangote, a member of the board of trustees of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, charged the audience to work hard and never fear failure
“It took him [Dangote] 30 years,” said Ms Dangote. “He failed but he never took his eyes off the ball. But it’s not all about failing, it’s more about moving forward after failing. Just never take your eyes off the ball.”
“Starting small is also part of the game,” she added.
While giving the welcome address at the commissioning, the Director of the Business School, Adenike Osofisan, a professor of computer science, expressed her joy at how the complex was wholly delivered by Nigerians.
“This work you are looking at,” she said pointing at the complex, “was born by Nigerians. No Indians. No British. No Lebanese.”
Other dignitaries at the event included Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state, who was represented by the states Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Adeniyi Olowofela; Nde Waklek Joshua Mukta, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Council of the University; Zouera Youssoufou, MD/CEO, Aliko Dangote Foundation Board; and Deans of Faculties, among others.
