Thomas Adewumi University (TAU), Oko-Irese, Kwara State, recently hosted a team of distinguished architects led by Architect Yinka Williams, one of Nigeria’s most prolific architects, alongside Architect Abimbola Ogunbiyi and Architect Oriyomi Emmanuel, for a courtesy visit and site inspection of the proposed Faculty of Engineering Complex—a landmark project to be developed in honour of Engr. Dr. Oluseyi Afolabi, MNSE, FNSChE, recipient of the Doctor of Engineering (Honoris Causa)
The visit formed part of the University’s strategic efforts to expand its infrastructure in line with its vision of delivering world-class education, particularly in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine, and Innovation (STEM-i).
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francisca Oladipo, delivered a comprehensive presentation titled “Welcome to TAU: Building on a Proud Legacy.” She traced the institution’s roots to the long-standing academic excellence of Thomas Adewumi Nursery and Primary School and Thomas Adewumi International College, noting that the University continues to build on this strong foundation.
She emphasized the Founder’s unwavering commitment to education, community development, and excellence, stating that the establishment of TAU reflects a deep desire to provide quality and accessible education within the Oko-Irese community and beyond.
Professor Oladipo highlighted the University’s mission, vision, and value proposition, reaffirming TAU’s dedication to producing globally competitive graduates. She described TAU as “the light of the Oko-Irese community,” pointing to its significant investments in infrastructure, including over 10km of fibre optics connectivity and access to global digital resources.
She further noted that TAU has gained national recognition, including being listed by The Guardian Newspaper among the top 10 Nigerian universities shaping the future of education through global excellence. According to her, the University is currently ranked 6th among over 169 private universities in Nigeria, 47th nationally out of over 312 universities, and 4th in Kwara State.
Providing insight into the academic structure, she stated that TAU operates one College of Medicine, a Teaching Hospital, a School of Postgraduate Studies, a Centre for Distance and E-Learning, two campuses, seven faculties, and 68 fully accredited academic programmes.
She also emphasized the University’s commitment to producing well-rounded graduates through a unique graduation requirement that includes entrepreneurship training, vocational skills, international ICT certifications, and foreign language proficiency.
Focus on Engineering Education and Infrastructure Expansion
Speaking on the proposed Faculty of Engineering, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the remarkable hands-on capabilities of the Engineering students, noting that they have actively contributed to furniture production, metalwork fabrication, and construction activities within the campus.
She stressed the urgent need for a state-of-the-art engineering complex equipped with modern laboratories, design studios, workshops, and research centres to support the growing potential of students and faculty.
The Director of Physical Planning, Works and Developments, Engr. Lanre Ilesanmi, provided a detailed overview of the proposed facility, presenting the architectural design, floor plans, and master plan of the University.
According to him, the proposed complex will feature:
- 12 modern classrooms
- 15 specialised engineering laboratories
- A 500-seat lecture theatre
- A faculty library
- Administrative offices and student support facilities
The facility is designed to accommodate approximately 500 undergraduate and postgraduate students, with provision for future expansion.
Responding on behalf of the visiting team, Architect Yinka Williams expressed appreciation for the warm reception and commended the University’s ambitious vision. She affirmed the team’s readiness to collaborate with TAU in delivering a project rooted in value engineering, ensuring optimal design quality and functionality.
She also praised the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, describing her as a competent professional whose expertise is vital for advancing higher education in Nigeria.
Architect Abimbola Ogunbiyi added that the proposed Faculty of Engineering should reflect its identity through purposeful and expressive design, emphasizing that “each structure must speak for itself.” The team engaged in constructive discussions, offering suggestions to enhance the project’s design and execution.
Chancellor Reaffirms Commitment to Excellence
The Founder and Chancellor, Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi, who joined the session, warmly welcomed the architects and reiterated his vision for a functional and culturally relevant engineering complex. He highlighted the importance of structural organization, accessibility, and design that reflects both innovation and cultural identity.
He further noted that the University’s master plan was developed in collaboration with professional architects, ensuring a well-structured and sustainable campus layout.
Site Inspection and Facility Tour
The visit concluded with a tour of the proposed Faculty of Engineering site and other key facilities across the University, giving the architects first-hand insight into TAU’s infrastructure and development trajectory.
Also present at the event were the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Engr. Prof. Oladejo Oladipupo, the Bursar, Mrs. Rachael Afolabi, alongside other members of staff.
A Step Towards Engineering Excellence
The visit and site inspection mark a significant step toward the realization of TAU’s vision to build a world-class Faculty of Engineering. The proposed project not only reflects the University’s commitment to innovation and practical education but also underscores its dedication to producing engineers capable of competing on a global stage.
