The late Engineer Joseph Makoju memorial Foundation, has flag off the construction of 250 seating capacity Lecture Theatre for the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Kogi state.
Flagging off the construction of the edifice on Saturday at the Felele Main Campus of the University, the head of late Makoju Foundation, Mr. Enesi Makoju, expressed the family’s gladness to announce the coincidence of the event with the posthumous 76th birthday of his father.
Enesi stated that his father was a lover of Education and development of Nigeria, Kogi state and Kogi Central his ancestral home, stressing that the flagging off ceremony was a fulfilment of his parents aspirations and passion for the enhancement of education and expansion of frontiers of knowledge for future generations to attain their goals in life.
He disclosed that his parents shares the same ideology and values in giving back to the society that has been so kind to them, commended the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi for providing the opportunity for the family to commence the construction of the project in the university.
He assured that the needed resources to complete the project in record time have been put in place, promised to work with the University Management to deliver the project before the next birthday of his father.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Akinwumi, said the presence of the matriarch of Makoju family, Dr. Gladys Makoju, was a testament to her enduring commitment to the advancement of education and unwavering support for the university.
He stressed that the donation will not only enhance infrastructures in the campus, but will significantly enrich the academic experience of students as the construction of the state or the art Lecture Theatre stands as a beacon of the family’s dedication to fostering educational excellence.
“Today, as we lay the foundation for this new facility, we also honour the memory of the late Engineer Joseph Oyeyani Makoju whose 76th posthumous birthday coincides with this event. His legacy of service and philanthropy will forever be etched in the annals of our university’s history. In recognition of his invaluable contributions, the Federal University Lokoja will immortalise him by naming the lecture theatre in his honour. This gesture will ensure that his spirit of generosity and commitment to education continues to inspire future generations”, he assured.
While stressing the importance of the donation to the school and students, said it will provide a modern, conducive environment for teaching and learning, enable hoisting large classes and it will serve as hub for intellectual exchange, fostering a vibrant academic culture and fostering research and innovation.
Meanwhile, the VC called on the well to do in the society to emulate the kind philanthropic gesture of Makoju and donate generously to the institution to upscale the FUL to a world class university.
The matriarch of the Makoju’s family, Dr (Mrs) Gladys Makoju in her remarks thanked the Vice Chancellor Federal University Lokoja for giving the family to impact on the University community.
Dr (Mrs) Makoju lauded the humility of her late husband who she described as a man who has contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria as a nation.
She revealed that the foundation has sealed an agreement with a new generation bank to reward Students who are outstanding in their academic career in Federal University Lokoja.
Late Joseph Oyeyani Makoju 13th July 1948 – 11 April 2022 served as Special Adviser (Electric Power) to former President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria under two separate administrations.
