AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), Ibadan, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has called on alumni of various institutions to give back to their alma mater as a gesture of gratitude for the values and knowledge they gained during their education.
Bishop Oke, who also serves as the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and Presiding Bishop of Sword of the Spirit Ministries, made this appeal on Tuesday during the dedication of the newly constructed Temitayo Felix Owolabi Female Hostel at PCU, located in Olaogun, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Addressing the students, the Chancellor said, “To you, my children, I pray that you will achieve greatness in life. When you do, I urge you to remember this institution. Alumni should be committed to giving back to their alma mater as a demonstration of love and dedication to the growth and development of the school that shaped them.”
Accompanied by his wife, Victoria Tokunbo Oke, the Chancellor expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of the hostel. He also acknowledged the immense contributions of Reverend Dr. Felix Owolabi and his wife, Temitayo, who funded the project. “We appreciate the love and commitment Reverend Dr. Felix Owolabi and his wife have shown to the progress of this university. May God continue to bless and support them,” he prayed.
Representing Governor Seyi Makinde at the event, Chief of Staff Segun Ogunwuyi commended the Owolabis for their dedication to advancing education. While officially inaugurating the hostel for use by female students, Ogunwuyi prayed for God’s blessings upon the couple and their ability to do more.
Prominent personalities present at the ceremony included former Minister for Special Duties, Elder Wole Oyelese; former Military Governor of old Oyo State, General Oladayo Popoola; and Dr. Bayo Adegoke.
The newly completed hostel, which had faced construction delays due to rising building material costs, was eventually completed at an estimated cost of ₦450 million.
Reverend Owolabi shared how the project became a personal mission for him and his wife. “Initially, I wanted to make a modest contribution toward the project, but my wife insisted that we take full responsibility for its completion. She even emptied our account for the church to support the project,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Reverend Owolabi added, “Years ago, even $10 was a significant amount to me. Today, amounts that once seemed monumental no longer hold the same value. I thank my wife for inspiring me to embrace this great destiny.”
PCU students expressed excitement and relief over the completion of the hostel, noting that it would significantly improve their living conditions on campus.
