Prince Bola Ajibola’s legacy lives on in Abeokuta as Kola Karim endows Crescent University’s Hall of Residence

By SALMAH ADETONA ADEFAKA

Karim said the inspiration for the donation came when he and his wife attended a book launch organised in honour of the late Prince Ajibola at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, in 2025. He explained that, before leaving the event, he discovered that his wife shared his desire to support the vision of the late former Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Businessman and philanthropist, Agbaoye Orikolade Karim, has explained that his decision to endow a hall of residence at Crescent University, Abeokuta, was inspired by the enduring legacy of the institution’s late founder, Prince Bola Ajibola.

The building, named Karim Foundation Hall of Residence, was officially commissioned on Friday, October 16, 2026, as part of activities marking the university’s 18th Convocation Ceremony.

The commissioning took place at the university’s campus in the Randa area of Abeokuta, Ogun State, with Karim and his wife, Yeye Olufunke Karim, leading other dignitaries at the ceremony.

According to a statement by the university’s Principal Assistant Registrar, Mr Idris Katib, which was made available to The DEFENDER on Friday, Karim said the inspiration for the donation came when he and his wife attended a book launch organised in honour of the late Prince Ajibola at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, in 2025.

He explained that, before leaving the event, he discovered that his wife shared his desire to support the vision of the late former Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Karim added that his wife subsequently encouraged him to ensure that the project was accomplished, describing her as a driver and accomplisher of worthy visions.

He said the donation was an opportunity for his family to appreciate the Ajibola family for the late jurist’s contributions to humanity and the enduring legacy he established through Crescent University.

While dedicating the building to Almighty Allah and humanity, Karim declared, “In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful,” before cutting the tape to formally commission the facility.

He described the endowment as a modest contribution towards sustaining the vision and humanitarian legacy of Prince Bola Ajibola.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, highlighted the vision and mission behind the establishment of Crescent University, revealing that the site was initially intended to be developed as a housing estate.

According to him, the late Prince Ajibola sold his assets both in Nigeria and abroad to establish the university, which was founded on the principles of academic and moral excellence.

Gbajabiamila stressed the institution’s commitment to character development, declaring that at Crescent University, failure in character amounted to failure in all aspects.

He expressed appreciation to the Karim family for the donation and commended the site engineer, Olaolu, for his professional contributions to the successful completion of the project.

In his appreciation remarks, the Chairman of the university’s Board of Trustees, Prince Adesegun Ajibola, SAN, recounted the challenges surrounding the establishment of the institution, including an initial misunderstanding between him and his late father over the project.

He explained that his father had repeatedly taken time to explain the vision behind Crescent University until he became convinced of its importance.

Prince Ajibola also acknowledged the contributions of his siblings, Mrs Modupe Afikuyomi, Prince Zakariyya Ademola Ajibola, Mrs Toyin Awosika, Mr Akinmade Ajibola and Islam Ajibola, towards advancing the family’s vision.

Expressing gratitude to the Karim family, he described their donation as one of the most significant endorsements of the university’s mission.

Other dignitaries at the commissioning included the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, FCA; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rasaki Kareem; HRM Oba Mutiu Adedimeji Alani Lawal, the Oloola of Ilara; Bursar, Dr Gbadebo Ofunmefun; Chairman of the Ceremonials Committee, Dr Kola Adesina; and Secretary-General of the Islamic Mission for Africa, Alhaji Saheed Aweda.