A new multipurpose building will soon adorn the landscape of the School of Management Technology of the Federal University of Technology, Akure courtesy of a former Group Executive Director with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and current Director, First Ally Capital, Dr Michael Arokodare. The ceremonial laying of the foundation of the building was held on Friday 11th December 2020. Welcoming dignitaries to the event, the Dean, Professor Lawal Akinloye, said the occasion marked, “another milestone in the annals of the School of Management Technology. As one of the youngest schools in terms of date of establishment, SMAT has enjoyed a lot of goodwill from well-meaning and good-spirited Nigerians in terms of donation of physical structures. History is being made as another worthy son of Nigeria has considered it necessary to contribute his quota to the development of the academia by donating a building (which foundation is laid today), to advance the course of national development further.” He said the donor exemplifies the saying that the worth of a man’s life is not in the accumulation of materials but in the number of lives impacted by his wealth.
Dr Arokodare acknowledged the importance of universities in knowledge and capacity building to tackle the enormous challenges of the society. He showed gratitude to God for the enablement to begin the project, which he assured will be completed in due course. He said the building, of two floors, will have 16 office spaces spread over the floors and also a meeting room for faculty members and a conference room.
Reacting to the gesture of Dr Arokodare, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Fuwape said SMAT and FUTA are fortunate to attract donors in the current global harsh economy. He commended the good spirit of the donor for keeping to his words and fulfilling his promises. “What Dr Arokodare is doing today is a legacy that will outlive him. We are grateful for this gesture because we are sure he is using his hard-earned money to add positive value to our university.” He prayed for God’s blessing for the donor and long life and good health.
The journey to donate the building started in 2019 when Dr Arokodare was awarded honorary degrees during the Annual Lecture series under the leadership of Professor Tomola Obamuyi as the Dean of the School. The foundations of the building were laid by the donor, Dr Arokodare; Professor Fuwape; Professor Lawal; Professor Obamuyi and the Director of Works and Services, Engineer Kehinde Bamisile.
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