The family of the late engineering icon, Engr. Abdurafil Oladejo, has donated his personal collection of engineering books to The Polytechnic, Ibadan (TPI), in accordance with his final wishes.
The donation, carried out by his widow, Alhaja Salamotu Oladejo, was made in the company of his close friend, Mr. Timothy Okewale, and other family members. The gesture fulfills a directive in the late engineer’s will, which requested that his books be donated to the institution to support the education of future generations.
Speaking during the donation ceremony, Alhaja Oladejo praised her late husband’s passion for knowledge-sharing and service to humanity. “He always had others in mind and was committed to helping anyone in need,” she said.
Receiving the donation, the Rector of TPI, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the family for honouring the deceased’s wish. He noted that the books would be made accessible to students to encourage academic excellence and inspire innovation.
“These books will serve as a lasting legacy, helping our students to aspire for greatness,” Lasisi said. He also announced that the institution would present a posthumous award in Engr. Oladejo’s honour at its next convocation ceremony, adding, “Those who think of others are truly men of God.”
In her vote of thanks, the Deputy Rector, Mrs. Olaide Salawu, emphasized the continued relevance of books in student life. “Contrary to popular belief, our students still make use of the library, and this donation will greatly benefit them,” she said.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the late Oladejo hailed from Ibadan and began his career at the Oyo State Ministry of Works. He later joined Lever Brothers Nigeria Ltd (now Unilever), rising from Factory Engineer to Chief Engineer. He founded Barafoil Engineering Services after his voluntary retirement in 1996. Oladejo passed away on April 5, 2022.
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