FG ASSURES TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS OF STEADY POWER SUPPLY AS HON. TUNJI BELLO DONATES 550-SEATER AUDITORIUM TO LASU EPE CAMPUS
Relief is in sight for staff and students of Lagos State University (LASU), as the Federal Government has promised to improve electricity supply across the institution’s campuses.
The assurance came from the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, during the commissioning and handover of the brand-new Olatunji Bello Auditorium, a 550-seat ultra-modern facility donated to LASU’s Epe Campus by Hon. Tunji Bello.
Responding to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, who had appealed for improved power, the Minister revealed that plans are already underway for the Federal Government to construct a 5-megawatt minigrid at the Epe Campus, while TETFund will provide an 11-megawatt minigrid for the Ojo Main Campus.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Alausa affirmed that the Federal Government had taken concrete steps to end the lingering power shortages that have hampered teaching, research, and innovation across universities.
“By this time next year, literally all tertiary institutions in the country will have mini-grids that will make them energy sufficient. With energy sufficiency, we would unleash the capabilities of our youths in the area of research, technology and everything they do. Join me in thanking President Tinubu for his commitment to education development,” the Minister said.
Commending the donor, Dr. Alausa described Hon. Bello Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), former Lagos State Commissioner, and former Secretary to the State Government as a visionary leader whose gesture will leave a lasting legacy for LASU students.
Hon. Bello, who is also the husband of the Vice-Chancellor, explained that the project was conceived as part of activities to mark his 60th birthday in 2021. He described the edifice as an investment in knowledge and a contribution to national development.
“By choosing to sow this seed in the vineyard of knowledge, I believe my 60th birthday cake will be preserved and shared by generations to come. This is my humble way of showing that public purpose is better served by supporting public universities in bridging infrastructural gaps,” he said.
The commissioning drew a high-profile gathering, including the Visitor to LASU and Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Dr. Femi Hamzat; former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Emeritus Prof. Peter Okebukola; immediate past Pro-Chancellor of LASU, Sir David Sunmoni; and several other eminent Nigerians.
Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who inaugurated the auditorium, praised Hon. Bello for fulfilling his promise to invest in education.
“This edifice is more than a building; it is a beacon of knowledge, creativity, cultural exchange and intellectual engagement,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Sanwo-Olu said that, in the next 60 days, his administration would inaugurate the largest university library in Nigeria at the Ojo Campus of LASU.
He said that the library would be inaugurated alongside other facilities.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to strengthening LASU’s place as Nigeria’s foremost state university.
“With projects such as these, our vision of a globally-competitive institution is within reach,” he added.
The dignitaries praised Bello’s philanthropy, contrasting it with the culture of marking milestones with extravagant parties, and lauded the LASU leadership for supporting initiatives that close infrastructural gaps in education.
In her remarks, Prof. Olatunji-Bello described the auditorium as a labour of love and a symbol of passion for education and humanity. She noted that the project stands as the pinnacle of her husband’s unwavering support for her administration, urging well-meaning Nigerians to emulate such selfless contributions that will outlive personal celebrations.
Also present were former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (represented); the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; serving and former members of the Lagos State Executive Council; Lagos House of Assembly members; APC State Chairman, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi; GAC members; members of LASU management, emeritus and distinguished professors, deans, directors, staff, students; as well as family, friends, and well-wishers of the donor and the Vice-Chancellor.
Photo Credits: LASU CIPR
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