In a historic move to strengthen education and cultural heritage in Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, inaugurated Ojaja University at its Ile-Ife campus on Saturday.
The launch coincided with celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of his coronation.
Oba Ogunwusi described the new institution as a non-profit, legacy project aimed at driving educational reform and preparing young Nigerians for leadership roles in diverse fields.
“This university is designed not only to teach but to cultivate leaders, innovators, and cultural ambassadors who will carry our values into the future,” he said.
The ceremony drew high-profile guests including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III CFR, who praised the Ooni for his investment in education, healthcare, and community development.
“It is heartening to see leaders committed to uplifting their people through knowledge and service,” the Sultan remarked.
Professor Lere Baale, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ojaja University, emphasised the institution’s role as both an academic centre and a cultural hub.
According to him, the university aims to foster African leadership, entrepreneurship, scientific advancement, agriculture, and cultural scholarship.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jeleel Ojuade, highlighted the university’s potential as a platform for empowering the next generation.
“Ojaja University is a tool for equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and values to make meaningful contributions to society,” he said.
Traditional rulers from across the country attended the event, including the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi; the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Adedeji; and the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole.
Prominent female leaders such as Iyalaje Oodua, Chief Toyin Kolade, and Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, Dr. Afolashade Shona-Aluko, were also present.
Observers noted that the launch represents a bold initiative to integrate education with cultural preservation and leadership development.
Ojaja University is expected to become a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and scholarship, while promoting values rooted in African heritage.
The establishment of the university, coming on the Ooni’s 10th coronation anniversary, reinforces his vision of leaving a lasting legacy in education and nation-building.
