From Suleiman Amagbor, Lagos
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of leading Nigerian ground handling company, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, Dr. Seinde Oladapo Fadeni, has expressed worries over the influence of social media on reading culture among Nigerian students, and donated a multi-million naira library block to the Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji – Arakeji in Osun State.
The institution noted that the three-storey structure, the biggest on the university campus, will cater for the library needs of all departments in the school.
Speaking at the hand-over of keys of the Library to the President, Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel Oladele, Dr. Fadeni said it is important that students be assisted to learn especially with the high level of distractions in the modern world.
He said that “The students don’t want to read anymore; and you can’t really blame them. In someone’s phone alone, you can find about ten social media apps. The world is becoming something else. But those who are ready to read, who are ready to study and to focus, we should assist them in achieving what they want to achieve.”
He promised to make the library conducive and equipped as a modern learning facility for all cadres of students from undergraduate to doctorate levels.
Fadeni assured the CAC hierarchy that include the church’s present at the occasion that he would still do more than just donate the building.
He said: “The physical body is there. I have given you my word; by the grace of God, whatever is supposed to be in a modern library, the computers, the shelves, and other things would be provided.”
Speaking, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Olasebikan Alade Fakolujo, extolled the virtues of the NAHCO Chairman pointing out that such acts of kindness and generosity he exhibited exemplify his commitment to education and societal progress.
Prof Olasebikan said “Today, we have this magnificent edifice, which stands out of all the structures on campus and compares favourably with some of the best library building in the first – generation universities in Nigeria, as fulfillment of the promise made by the donor.
The Dr Seinde Oladapo Fadeni Library is a multi-million naira three-storey building which at this particular time is praiseworthy. The gesture is dear to us as a university community.”
Fakolujo pointed out that there was no iota of doubt that one of the critical challenges facing Nigeria today is the lack of modern library facilities that support development and strengthen the country’s university education system.
He noted that by investing in a library for Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Dr. Fadeni is indirectly also contributing to the strengthening of not only the country’s university system, but also the very bedrock of nation building.
Dignitaries at the event include Dr Fadeni’s wife, Mrs. Ebundola Fadeni, his sister, Mrs. Funmilayo Olowogunle and Director, International Business & Corporate Services, NAHCO Plc, Dr. Sola Obabori.
Others include the university Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Joash Amupitan, President, the General Superintendent and the General Secretary of the church as well as it General Secretary, Pastor E.A Mapur; it Regional Superintendent, Pastor GO Obiwale and the University’s Registrar, Mr. Dapo Ajayi.
