The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic, Yabatech Chapter, has praised a philanthropist, Tunde Fanimokun, for donating N3.5 billion to build an entrepreneurship centre for the college.

The Chairman of SSANIP, Yabatech chapter, Jason Ayodeji, said on Wednesday that the donation was a welcome development that would add value to the students’ career paths.

The groundbreaking event, held on Tuesday at the Yusuf Grillo Hall of the college, was in commemoration of Mr Fanimokun’s 80th birthday.

Mr Ayodeji said that the union was delighted with the donation, which was in honour of the late Wahab Folawiyo, the founding father of Yinka Folawiyo Conglomerate.

He said that the building to be named Folawiyo Entrepreneurship Centre would provide an enabling environment where students could be taught crucial life skills to help them navigate the future.

According to him, an entrepreneurship centre plays a critical role in shaping the future of students. He said that such centres fostered innovation and creativity among the students, whereby they explore and grow their entrepreneurial skills.

He stated, “This is a laudable step. We are happy and express our gratitude to Alhaji Fanimokun. The Entrepreneurship Centre will provide the necessary resources, guidance and networking opportunities that will turn students’ ideas to successful ventures. The centre will be a distinguished four-story building having four lecture theatres, with 320 sitting capacity in each; another with 500 sitting; 19 classrooms; office spaces for staff; various areas for vocational activities and ample parking facilities.’’

The SSANIP chairman said that the union noted efforts put in place by the Rector, Yabatech, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, in securing such a significant endowment for the institution.

“The present administration under Dr Abdul has been doing a great job. This is another feat and we will continue to support his good work and activities to take the college to the next level,” he said.

The philanthropist, Mr Fanimokun, is a retired as a permanent secretary with the Lagos State Civil Service before his employment as the Executive Director, Projects, by the late Folawiyo. 

(NAN)