20TH FOUNDER’S DAY: Crescent University honours long-serving staff, launches AI, Robotics Knowledge Department
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, led tributes to the university’s founder, late Prince Bola Ajibola, describing him as a “visionary leader, who committed his life and resources to building an enduring educational legacy”.
Crescent University Abeokuta, on Saturday April 25, 2026, marked its 20th Founder’s Day with a series of landmark initiatives, including the introduction of a Long Service Award for staff and the launch of a new Department of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Knowledge.
At the ceremony held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the university honoured 94 staff members who have served for 15 years and above, in what it described as a first-of-its-kind recognition among private universities in Nigeria.
A statement by Senior Deputy Registrar (Public Relations), Mr. Idris Katib, said that the award celebrates long-term dedication and contributions to the institution’s development since its establishment.
Among the recipients were Vice Chancellor Professor Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Rasaki Kareem, Registrar Prince Zakariyyah Ajibola, and Chairman of the Ceremonials Committee, Dr. Kola Adesina.
The initiative is seen as a shift in staff welfare and retention strategies within Nigeria’s private university system, setting a precedent for structured recognition of employee commitment.
The event also featured tributes to the late founder, Judge Bola Ajibola, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo describing him as a “visionary leader, who committed his life and resources to building an enduring educational legacy”.
He commended the current Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prince Mohammed Ma’ruf Adesegun Ajibola (SAN), for sustaining the founder’s vision.
“Ajibola remained a nation-builder from childhood until his death,” former Nigerian Leader Obasanjo said, stressing that Crescent University continues to impact lives two decades after.
A major highlight of the anniversary was the unveiling of the university’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Knowledge Department. The initiative received immediate financial backing from the Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, and the Osi of Egbaland, Chief Bode Mustapha, who each pledged ₦10 million toward its development.
University officials said the new department aims to position the institution as a leader in AI education in Africa by training graduates capable of developing, deploying, and regulating AI technologies. The curriculum is expected to integrate ethics, law, and policy alongside technical training.
Vice Chancellor Gbajabiamila disclosed that the university currently has over 3,500 students and is expanding its infrastructure, including the construction of a Medical Science Laboratory Complex funded by the Abdul Samad Rabiu Foundation. Plans are also underway to establish a College of Medicine.
The event further featured the presentation of the 2026 Bola Ajibola Community Service Awards to Asiwaju Kamal’deen Akintunde, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Adeleye Oyebade, and Aare Kazeem Bakinson.
Delivering the Founder’s Day Lecture, Prof. Abdul-Qadir Abikan, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, spoke on “The Collapse of the Rule-Based World Order,” urging African nations to strengthen their industrial and technological capacities.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, and the Olota of Ota, Oba Prof. Abdul-Kabir Obalanlege.
The celebration also featured the public presentation of a book titled, “Trends in Constitutionalism and Constitutional Adjudication in Nigeria”, published in honour of the late Ajibola.
As it marks two decades of existence, Crescent University signaled a dual commitment to rewarding institutional loyalty while investing in emerging technologies expected to shape the future.
