UI COMMISSIONS THE ULTRA MODERN ALIKO DANGOTE OFFICE COMPLEX AT THE UI SCHOOL OF BUSINESS The Ultra modern Aliko Dangote office complex of the University of Ibadan (UISB) donated by Aliko Dangote Foundation was commissioned with great fanfare on Wednesday, 25 July, 2018 at the Ajibode site of the Business School. According to the Director of the Business School, Prof. Adenike Osofisan, the office complex which is the first for the UISB could not have come at a more critical time as it would make the training and retraining of business managers for greater efficiency much easier, thus contributing to the repositioning of our Economy as a nation. The multi million naira office complex comprises five lecture rooms, ten lecturers’ offices, four luxurious Executive Directors’ offices and a canteen, all fully air conditioned and supported by a 250 KVA generator. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. A. I. Olayinka, FAS, while speaking at the occasion, appreciated the gesture of the foremost Business man, Alh. Aliko Dangote, describing as a rare feat and a show of great commitment, his ability to deliver the ultra modern building in less than a year. He also affirmed that it was the largest gift by an individual ever received by the University. He posited that the building will serve a major purpose in ensuring UI’s efforts to impact the Nation’s economy through manpower development is a success. Prof. Olayinka also acknowledged the role played by the Chancellor of the Institution and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhmadu Sa’ad Abubaka III as well as an alumnus of the institution and former Group Managing Director of First Bank Plc, Mr. Moyo Ajekigbe in facilitating the project. The highlight of the occasion was the commissioning of the building, where Alh. Dangote, represented by his daughter Hajia Halima, and Engr. Ahmed Mansur, the GMD of Dangote Group of Companies stated that his legacy and ambition was to be known as the biggest philanthropist, not only in Nigeria, but in sub Saharan Africa. Noting that education and empowerment was a key priority to his foundation, Alh. Dangote stated that it was only appropriate that the foundation will support such a laudable initiative as the UI School of Business. According to him, the edifice will not only facilitate the education, but also the empowerment of entrepreneurs who would take a lead in turning our economy around as a nation, as well as globally. The current students of UISB MBA class, represented by a Professor of Pediatrics explained how UISB has helped in understanding the relevance and application of the Business sense and accounting in everyday life and experience, thus enhancing their output. He stated that the building will enhance the learning experience for them as it provides a conducive environment. Appreciating Alh. Dangote’s gesture, the students presented him with a painting while also clamouring for further collaboration between the Aliko Dangote Group and the UISB. Prior to the commissioning of the project, Alh. Dangote, while presenting the 3rd Eminent Persons Business lecture of the UISB, clamoured for Government to make the national environment conducive for businesses through the provision of adequate and reliable energy and power supply, improved transportation, consistent policy implementation and easy access to facilities among others. In his lecture entitled: “Industrialization: Backward Integration as a strategy for National Development: The Story of Dangote Group”, Alh. Dangote, told the story of how the Dangote Group evolved from a small company to the conglomerate it is today, through backward integration, that is, exerting control over sources of raw materials or other business that are part of his overall manufacturing process. He described backward integration as one of the policies of government which has helped the Nigerian economy while also citing examples of leading economies in the world, including USA, China, Malaysia, Brazil, Russia among other who also adopted this policy. He urged entrepreneurs to dream big, start small and not be afraid of failure, but remain focused. Present at the occasion were the Chairman of Council and Pro Chancellor of UI, Nde Waklek Joshua Muktar, mni, who also chaired the occasion. Others include the Governor of Oyo State, represented by the Oyo State Commissioner of Education, Prof. Joseph Adeniyi Olowofela who enjoined youths to embrace hard work and be focused and not seek shortcuts to wealth. Also present were members of the University Management, headed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A.I.Olayinka FAS, members of the academic community, Royal fathers, Industrialists, young entrepreneurs and students among others.