The immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka on Thursday paid a thank you visit to Asiwaju of Ibadanland, Chief Bode Amao.
The 12th Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan described Asiwaju of Ibadanland, Chief Bode Amao, as an icon, notable entrepreneur, business man, community leader and philanthropist.
According to Prof. Olayinka; “Chief Bode Amao is an elderly man so much after my heart, on account of his unquantifiable and consistent support to the University of Ibadan in particular and Nigerian higher education in general. His Bode Amao Foundation has been awarding scholarships to brilliant but indigent students in higher institutions of learning in the country for many decades now”.
“He has shown uncommon commitment to supporting the University of Ibadan Women’s Society (UIWS) since the mid-1990s when his friend and neighbour, Professor Omoniyi Adewoye, Fellow of the University of Ibadan, was Vice-Chancellor of the premier University, from 1996-2000. He single-handedly built the first structure at the permanent site of the University of Ibadan Creche and Nursery School (as it was then). He has continued to give and give. A few years ago he added a storey building which he equipped with computer facilities. The school was subsequently named after him by the Governing Council of the University.
“Sometimes in 2019, I was at the University of Ibadan Branch of First Bank to see the Business Manager. I met two little kids of about 6 to 8 years of age with her. I inquired from them the name of their school. The two girls responded in unison BODE AMAO CRECHE NURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL! It struck me that they were calling the name of a great grand pa just like that. What better way to immortalise a highly successful man of means and substance.
“As a friend and benefactor of the University of Ibadan, Asiwaju Bode Amao was among the three eminent Nigerians awarded a honorary degree of the University of Ibadan on 17th November 2016.
“It was a great privilege for me to be at the home of the Bode Amaos today, Wednesday, 24th November 2021, to present a copy of “My Stewardship as Vice-Chancellor (2015-2020): Partial Listing of Fundamental Achievements” to someone who contributed in no small measures to our humble achievements. It is trite to state that he received favourable mention in the publication.
“It was also an opportunity to wish Baba Bode Amao a happy 89th birthday in arrears. We look forward to celebrating with him, Mama Amao and all members of the Bode Amao Dynasty when our highly respected father turns 90 in October 2022”.
