Diaspora Union Deepens Support for Health Sciences Education, Urges Collective Investment in Ila-Orangun’s Future
In a significant demonstration of commitment to educational development and community advancement, the Ila-Orangun Descendants Union, United Kingdom and Ireland, has donated 39 volumes of medical and health sciences textbooks, valued at Five Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N5,250,000), to the prestigious Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI).
The landmark donation, which is expected to enrich the University’s library resources and support teaching, learning and research among students and scholars, represents another commendable example of the growing contributions of Ila-Orangun indigenes in the diaspora to the development of their ancestral home.
The books were formally received on behalf of the University by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), FUHSI, Professor Monsur Adeleke, who ably represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Akeem Olawale Lasisi.
The donation was described by stakeholders as a worthy investment in the future of medical education and healthcare development, particularly at a time when FUHSI is steadily establishing itself as an important centre for health sciences education in Nigeria.
A Thoughtful Gesture from Ila-Orangun Diaspora
Speaking on behalf of the University, Professor Adeleke expressed profound appreciation to the distinguished sons and daughters of Ila-Orangun resident in the United Kingdom and Ireland for remembering their roots and demonstrating genuine interest in the development of their hometown.
He commended the union for its thoughtfulness and generosity, stressing that the donation was more than the provision of books—it was a contribution towards building the intellectual foundation of future medical and health professionals.
Professor Adeleke prayed for God’s continued blessings, protection and guidance upon all members of the association and their families.
He also used the occasion to encourage other sons and daughters of Ila-Orangun, both at home and in the diaspora, to emulate the gesture by returning home to contribute meaningfully to the development of the community.
According to him, those who have been blessed with resources, knowledge and opportunities should consider giving back to their roots and helping to create institutions and facilities that will benefit generations yet unborn.
DVC, Librarian, Ila-Orangun Community Extol Virtues of Vice-Chancellor and Pioneer Management
One of the notable highlights of the occasion was the glowing commendation of the University’s leadership by both the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and the University Librarian.
Professor Monsur Adeleke and Mrs Bukky Olufemi Asubiojo separately extolled what they described as the great and uncommon virtues of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Akeem Olawale Lasisi, and the pioneer management team of FUHSI.
Their remarks portrayed the Vice-Chancellor and his management team as a group committed to laying a solid foundation for the young university and positioning it for academic excellence, institutional growth and international relevance.
The commendations also resonated strongly with the representatives of the Ila-Orangun community present at the occasion, who described Professor Lasisi as a man of vision and an Omoluabi par excellence.
The community representatives further described the Vice-Chancellor as a blessing to Ila-Orangun and Nigeria at large, noting that his leadership of the institution has brought considerable pride to the community and strengthened the hopes attached to the establishment of a specialised university of health sciences in Ila-Orangun.
The warm words of appreciation reflected the growing confidence of the community in the leadership and direction of FUHSI and its pioneer management.
FUHSI Still Needs Support
While expressing appreciation for the books, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor also highlighted some of the pressing infrastructural needs of the University.
Among the areas identified were hostel accommodation, lecture theatre facilities and shuttle buses, alongside other requirements necessary to support the University’s growing academic community.
His remarks provided a fresh opportunity for individuals, corporate organisations, philanthropists and community development groups to consider strategic partnerships with FUHSI as the institution continues to expand.
“We Are an Oliver Twist” — FUHSI Librarian
Also speaking at the occasion, the University Librarian, Mrs Bukky Olufemi Asubiojo, gave insight into the series of discussions and engagements that preceded the donation.
She acknowledged the important role played by the representatives of the Ila-Orangun Descendants Union, particularly Dr Majek Akande, in facilitating the process that culminated in the presentation of the textbooks.
Mrs Asubiojo expressed deep appreciation to the union for responding positively to the University’s needs and described FUHSI, humorously but pointedly, as an “Oliver Twist” that would always ask for more.
Using the opportunity to appeal for further support, she thanked members of the association and urged them not to stop at the book donation, but to continue exploring other areas in which they could assist the University.
Her comments underscored the University’s continuing need for support as it develops the facilities and academic resources required to provide world-class health sciences education.
Union President Enthusiastic About Giving Back
The President of the Ila-Orangun Descendants Union, UK and Ireland, Pastor Prince Adelani Ayeni, expressed great enthusiasm over the opportunity afforded the association to contribute its quota to the development of FUHSI and, by extension, Ila-Orangun.
The donation, he noted, was an expression of the union’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of its ancestral community.
For members of the association, the initiative represents an opportunity to translate their love for Ila-Orangun into tangible developmental interventions that can have lasting impact.
Distinguished Ila-Orangun Leaders Present Books
The presentation of the donated textbooks was conducted by a group of distinguished Ila-Orangun community leaders.
Those who participated in the presentation included the longest-serving Chief, Oloyin of Ila-Orangun, Chief Samuel Oni; the Obajinwa of Ila-Orangun, Chief Adebayo Adeleke; the Obebe of Ila-Orangun, Chief Oyinloye; Prince Dr Adeyemi Ayeni; and the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Orangun of Ila, Apostle Omotayo Babalola, who is also the Publisher of Igbomina Today Magazine.
Their participation further demonstrated the strong community interest in the development of FUHSI and the recognition of the University’s strategic importance to the future of Ila-Orangun and the wider Igbomina community.
A Gathering of Community and Academic Stakeholders
The historic presentation was also witnessed by Emeritus Prof. Afolarin Malomo, Prophetess Chris Bodunrin, members of the University’s Library staff and other distinguished guests.
The gathering provided an important meeting point between the University and representatives of the Ila-Orangun community, particularly the diaspora, reinforcing the message that the development of FUHSI is a collective responsibility.
Building a Legacy Beyond the Present
The donation of the 39 volumes of medical and health sciences textbooks by the Ila-Orangun Descendants Union, UK and Ireland, may appear modest when viewed simply as a donation of books. However, its significance goes far beyond the monetary value attached to the materials.
Every textbook placed in the University’s library has the potential to serve hundreds or even thousands of students over the years. The knowledge gained from those books could ultimately translate into medical discoveries, improved healthcare delivery and lives saved by future health professionals trained at FUHSI.
The initiative therefore stands as a powerful reminder that development is not solely the responsibility of government or institutions; it is also the collective responsibility of people who believe in the future of their communities.
For Ila-Orangun, the growing involvement of its sons and daughters in the diaspora offers a promising pathway towards strengthening institutions, improving educational opportunities and creating a more prosperous future for the ancient community.
The Ila-Orangun Descendants Union, UK and Ireland, through this timely intervention, has not only donated textbooks—it has demonstrated that distance need not diminish one’s commitment to one’s roots.
And as FUHSI continues its journey towards becoming a leading institution for health sciences education, gestures such as this will undoubtedly remain important milestones in the story of its growth and development.
By Omotayo Babalola
The Publisher of Igbomina Today Magazine, Historian, Political Analyst, Public Commentator, and Community Development Advocate
