Daud Olatunji
Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, on Friday commissioned a series of landmark infrastructure projects as part of activities marking its 2025 convocation scheduled for Sunday, July 27.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, who led the tour of the newly completed projects, described the developments as part of the institution’s commitment to blending technological advancement with academic excellence and student well-being.
Among the projects commissioned were an ultra-modern Senate Building named after the institution’s pioneer Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adekunle Alalade; the New Horizons Tech Hub; a ₦70 million solar-powered electricity system for the Laz Otti Memorial Library; paved roads and walkways; residential staff quarters; a children’s crèche within the university’s teaching hospital; a sports arcade at the Law campus; and a swimming pool donated by graduating students.
Speaking at the commissioning, Prof. Tayo emphasized the university’s desire to be a pacesetter in digital innovation.
He noted that the New Horizons Tech Hub is equipped with Artificial Intelligence labs, incubation centres, and other cutting-edge facilities to empower students and staff to become creators of technology rather than consumers.
“Technology is redefining work and life globally. From robotic surgeries to automated farming and FinTech, every sector is being reshaped by digital tools,” he said. “Sadly, Nigeria remains a consumer rather than a creator of these technologies. At Babcock, we are changing that narrative.”
He added that the university aims to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital economy, lamenting that Africa’s digital GDP still relies largely on telecommunications and FinTech, with core infrastructure and innovation hubs underdeveloped.
The Vice Chancellor also explained the rationale behind the construction of the new student swimming pool, which he described as a symbol of the university’s commitment to all-round student development.
“Our philosophy is the development of the head, the hand, and the heart. We focus not only on the cognitive domain but also on the affective and psychomotor domains,” Tayo stated.
“The swimming pool will serve as a social and physical outlet for students, helping them to stay fit and engaged outside the classroom.”
He warned that without such outlets, students may be tempted toward negative behaviours such as cultism, stressing that a balanced education must address mental, physical, and emotional growth.
Prof. Tayo also commissioned a purpose-built crèche at the university’s teaching hospital. He said the facility was conceived to support frontline medical personnel by providing safe, professionally managed care for their young children while they are on duty.
“We discovered there was no dedicated space for the children of our doctors and nurses. Exposing infants to hospital environments without protection could lead to health risks. This crèche, staffed by professionals in developmental psychology and social work, solves that problem,” he said.
A major highlight of the day was the commissioning of a ₦70 million solar-powered backup system for the university’s Laz Otti Memorial Library.
The Vice Chancellor noted that despite the institution already enjoying an average of 22 hours of electricity daily, the students opted to install solar systems to guarantee uninterrupted access to learning resources.
“This is student-driven. They insisted on a 24-hour power supply to the library. This means even if there’s a one-minute blackout, their studies won’t be interrupted,” he said.
The newly commissioned Senate Building, housing the Vice Chancellor’s office and Senate Chambers, is intended to bolster the administrative efficiency of the institution. Prof. Tayo described it as a crucial centre for decision-making and academic governance.
Other completed projects include paved roads, a sports arcade in the law campus, and tree-lined walkways designed to beautify the environment and improve student experience.
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