Alumnus donates solar power system, office equipment to Economics Dept.
By Tajudeen Babamale and Bashir Dawodu
A 1986 alumnus of the Department of Economics, University of Ilorin, Mr Frank Nwabudike, has donated a 12kVA solar power system comprising solar panels, a 15kWh battery, as well as a HP LaserJet Enterprise MFP M528dn printer and a Canon imageRUNNER 2425i photocopier to the Department.
The donation was announced last Thursday (November 5, 2026) when Mr Nwabudike visited the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, in his office. He was accompanied by a University Ambassador from the Department, Mr Olusoji Oyawoye, the Head of the Department of Economics, Prof. Abdulhakeem Abdullahi Kilishi, and other scholars from the Department.
Mr Nwabudike, who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Montizen Limited, recalled his previous contributions to the University through the establishment of a laboratory in the Faculty of Agriculture in 2002, in collaboration with his companies and European partners. He said that the latest donations were a continuation of his commitment to giving back to an institution that had contributed immensely to his development.
While sharing his delight at returning to the University 40 years after graduation to commission the solar project and other donated facilities, the proud alumnus expressed gratitude for the education, friendships and experiences that shaped his life and career, particularly his involvement with the University of Ilorin Junior Chamber International (JCI), where he served as Charter President and acquired valuable leadership and community service experience.
Describing “service to humanity as the best work of life” as his guiding philosophy, the alumnus commended successive generations of UNILORIN JCI members for sustaining the organisation’s tradition of developing young leaders.
The alumnus, however, encouraged fellow alumni to remain connected to the University of Ilorin and support its development, pledging that he would do more for his alma mater. He also urged the management of the University to sustain efforts to engage its alumni.
Reacting, the Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, described the donation as a significant gesture that the University deeply appreciated, noting that, its value lay not only in its monetary worth but also in the impact it will have on staff and students.
The Vice Chancellor said the University did not take the gesture for granted, particularly as Mr Nwabudike had chosen to support his alma mater despite having several other places he could have extended such generosity to.
He assured the donor that the University would strive to justify the confidence reposed in it and urged the Department to maintain contact with him and provide updates on the benefits of the facilities in the coming years.
Prof. Egbewole also commended Mr Oyawoye who facilitated the donation, describing him as a proud University Ambassador whose efforts in reconnecting alumni with their Alma Mater were appreciated.
Speaking on the significance of the donation, the Head of the Department, Prof. Abdulhakeem Abdullahi Kilishi, explained that the relationship between the Department and Mr Nwabudike was strengthened about two years ago through another alumnus and a University Ambassador, Mr Olusoji Oyawoye.
Prof. Kilishi stated that Mr Nwabudike, through Mr Oyawoye, contacted the Department early this year to request a list of its needs, following which alternative power supply and other essential facilities were identified as priorities.
He expressed delight that the alumnus responded positively, noting that the donated solar power system was designed to provide electricity for the entire Department’s building.
The Head of Department added that the HP LaserJet Enterprise printer and Canon imageRUNNER photocopier were enterprise-grade machines capable of handling substantial workloads. He explained that their capacity would complement the solar installation and significantly improve the Department’s teaching, research and administrative activities.
Prof. Kilishi also acknowledged Mr Oyawoye’s contributions to the Department, disclosing that he supported its international conference last year with a donation of ₦500,000, in addition to the 50 copies of books he earlier donated to the Department.
