The family of the late Engineer Ayobami Oladejo,a retired staff member of Unilever Nigeria Plc, has fulfilled his final wish by donating an extensive collection of engineering books to The Polytechnic Ibadan.
This act, directed by the deceased in his will, was carried out by his family and close associates during a brief but emotional ceremony at the institution.
The delegation was led by his widow, Alhaja Salamotu Mosebolatan Oladejo, and his lifelong friend, Pharmacist Timothy Olubode Okewale.
Speaking at the event, Okewale described the donation as a reflection of the late engineer’s lifelong dedication to education and national development, even beyond the grave.
“We were more than friends,” said Okewale. “I am a Christian and he was a Muslim, yet he entrusted me with his final wishes. That tells you how deep our bond was and the kind of integrity he embodied. He was a good man, brilliant, purpose-driven, and compassionate.”
The Polytechnic’s Acting Rector, Dr. Taiwo Abideen Lasisi, who received the donated materials on behalf of the institution, expressed profound appreciation for the gesture.
“He was neither our alumnus nor a former staff member, yet he chose to give back to this institution. That someone could remember us in his will is deeply inspiring,” Dr. Lasisi remarked.
“He has etched his name into our history, and generations of students will benefit from his generosity.”
To immortalise his contribution, Lasisi announced that a section of the Engineering Library would be named in honour of Oladejo.
He also disclosed that the institution would be presenting a posthumous award to recognise Oladejo’s outstanding contribution to engineering education in Nigeria.
His widow, Alhaja Salamotu Oladejo, described him as a remarkable man who became a professional engineer at the age of 27 and remained a respected figure throughout his life.
“He was intentional in everything he did. Even while preparing for the end, he thought about how his knowledge could live on,” she said. “His wish was that these books help educate students who will someday build the Nigeria of our dreams.”
Also present at the event were Mr. Ololade Oladejo, son of the late engineer; Mr. Oladapo Rasheed, a close family friend; academic staff from the Faculty of Engineering; senior librarians; and several students, who expressed gratitude for the timely donation.
Born on September 2, 1957, in Ibadan, Engineer Oladejo hailed from the Beere area of the city. He began his education at C.A.C. Primary School, Olugbode, and proceeded to Prospect High School, Abanla.
He studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife), graduating in 1979.
He later earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Lagos State University and a Master of Science in Information Technology from OAU.
A recipient of both the Western State Scholarship during secondary school and the Federal Government Scholarship during university, Oladejo was a man of excellence and commitment.
Professionally, he started his career at the Oyo State Ministry of Works before joining Unilever Nigeria Plc (then Lever Brothers) in Agbara, Ogun State, where he worked until his retirement.
This legacy donation is expected to inspire a culture of giving among professionals and alumni toward strengthening educational institutions across Nigeria.
