Nigerian billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Femi Otedola, has announced a ₦4 billion donation to Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Lagos State, to fund the construction of a state-of-the-art Electrical and Electronics Engineering complex, further cementing his legacy as one of Nigeria’s most committed private supporters of education and youth development.
The donation the latest in a series of major contributions by Otedola to the Catholic-owned institution was unveiled during a special ceremony held on campus, attended by university officials, traditional leaders, students, and dignitaries from across Lagos State.
Speaking at the event, Otedola said his commitment to strengthening the country’s tertiary education sector stems from a firm belief that Nigeria’s future lies in empowering young people with world-class academic tools, research capacity, and a competitive technology-driven learning environment.
“Education remains one of the most powerful instruments for transformation and national progress,” Otedola said. “As Nigeria positions itself for the future, we must produce engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers who are ready to build the industries and infrastructure of tomorrow. This facility will play a vital role in developing that next generation.”
The ultra-modern complex will house advanced engineering laboratories, design studios, lecture theatres, research facilities, and an innovation hub expected to support cutting-edge technology training and entrepreneurial development. The centre will also foster partnerships with global tech institutions and private sector players, the university said.
Otedola, who serves as the Chancellor of Augustine University, previously funded several projects at the institution, including the recently completed Central Library and Information Centre. His contributions, totalling several billions of naira in recent years, have been widely acknowledged as instrumental to the university’s rapid growth and infrastructural expansion.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Christopher Odetunde, expressed profound gratitude to the business magnate, describing him as a “visionary patron of education and national development.”
“Engr. Otedola’s generosity continues to redefine the possibilities of private investment in higher education,” Odetunde said. “This donation will significantly elevate our engineering faculty and enhance our capacity to produce globally competitive engineers rooted in excellence and values.”
The Lagos State Governor, represented by Commissioner for Tertiary Education, also commended Otedola, noting that private investment in education remains essential to meeting Nigeria’s developmental aspirations and bridging infrastructure gaps across tertiary institutions.
Student representatives described the development as “a life-changing milestone,” adding that exposure to world-class facilities will improve their competitiveness in global technology and innovation spaces.
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As Nigeria continues to push for youth empowerment, industrial innovation, and technological advancement, private philanthropy particularly from high-net-worth individuals and business leaders has become increasingly critical in bridging funding gaps in education.
With this latest commitment, Otedola strengthens his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most prominent philanthropists. Beyond education, he has supported healthcare, religious causes, and humanitarian initiatives across the country.
Construction of the Femi Otedola Electrical and Electronics Engineering Complex is set to begin immediately, with the facility expected to be completed and opened for academic use within two years. The institution says the project marks a new era for engineering excellence in Nigeria’s private university sector and sets a benchmark for philanthropy-driven academic innovation in Africa.