The Prominent urban planner, Prof. Akin Mabogunje, has donated collection of books to the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
The first professor of Geography in Nigeria, who also doubles as the first African President of the International Geographical Union, gave out his library of books to the Authorities of the OOU at his Ibadan resident on Tuesday June 30, 2020.
Mabogunje revealed that the donation was in appreciation for being honoured as the institution’s first Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council.
“In appreciation of the honour done in choosing me as the first and foundation Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), Ago-Iwoye, I have great pleasure in donating all my library of books, medals, certificates and other articles of personal recognition to the Library of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye,” he said.
As the 2017 Vautrin Lud Prize Winner, he expressed fear over what would happen to his books when he passes on. Hence, he decided to donate them to the institution for study and research.
He also revealed that the books occupied more space than prepared for in his Ibadan and Ijebu-Ode homes, mandating him to move some volumes to his reception room in Ijebu Ode.
As Mabogunje approaches 89 in October, he urged the university to move the books as soon as possible.
“The Executors of my will have been so informed of this donation. It will be for me a matter of great satisfaction if the university can arrange to move all the books and artefacts from my residence in Ibadan and Ijebu-Ode. As soon as it finds it convenient to do so, in the not-too-distant future, at least whilst I am still alive,” he said.
Also commenting, Mabogunje’s eldest child, Seun, lauded the University for accepting the books.
He disclosed that he and his siblings had been agonising what to do with the books, which he described as unique and priceless.
He urged the university to ensure the books were used judiciously.
While receiving the books, the OOU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ganiyu Olatunji Olatunde said he felt privileged to lead the team to receive the donation from the pioneer Pro-Chancellor.
He commended him for always having the university in mind and for his robust pioneering efforts at planting the seed for the development of the university between January 1982 and September 1990.
“The University you nurtured is now one of the best universities in the world. Of the 72 academic programmes of the university so far visited by the National Universities Commission, 70 have full accreditation status. Anatomy and Architecture programmes have interim and denied status as a result of limited space,” he said.
Speaking further, Olatunde said that OOU had moved from recording 76 per cent in accreditation status when he took over in 2017 to 97.2 per cent presently.
He, however, assured that the University Council, Senate, students and other stakeholders would be duly informed of Mabogunje’s kind gesture.
Reacting to the donation, the University Librarian, Dr. Adebambo Oduwole, said the donation was timely, as the university would be receiving the NUC Accreditation Team for Geography and Regional Planning in November.
“Since most of your books are from this discipline, it is a big plus for the university. A special place that will be designated MABOGUNJE LIBRARY shall be created for your collections in our University Library.
“On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and the university, I want to assure you sir and your family that the university will make the best use of these rare books,” he said.
Other delegates present were:
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Ebun Oduwole;
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Deji Agboola;
The Chair of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance, Prof. Ayo Olukotun.
