2027: Gbolarumi Donates N500,000 To UI Mellanby Hall, Seeks Peace, Tolerance In Oyo

The Oyo State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, has donated N500,000 to residents of Mellanby Hall, University of Ibadan, describing the gesture as a token of appreciation for the role the hall played in shaping his life.

Gbolarumi, a law alumnus of the University of Ibadan and former resident of Mellanby Hall, made the donation during an unscheduled visit to the institution on Friday.

The governorship candidate also attended a special prayer session at the University of Ibadan Central Mosque, where prayers were offered for peace and progress in Oyo State and Nigeria.

Speaking during his visit to Mellanby Hall, Gbolarumi commended the university management, particularly the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, for sustaining the institution’s reputation as a leading university in Nigeria and Africa.

He said his years at the university had significantly influenced his life, expressing appreciation for the academic training and experiences he acquired at the institution.

Gbolarumi, who lived at Mellanby Hall as an undergraduate, said the hall remained particularly dear to him because of the memories and values he acquired there.

He urged the students to remain committed to academic excellence, community development and service to others.

“This used to be my hall of residence during my undergraduate years. Serenity, commitment and community development were key themes for us then. I urge you students to maintain the status quo.”

Presenting the N500,000 donation, Gbolarumi described it as a token of love and appreciation for the impact Mellanby Hall had made on his life and promised to do more for the hall in the future.

“Well, this is a token of love and appreciation for the impact of this Hall of Residence on me, and all of us. It may be little, but I promise more empowerment in the nearest future.”

The gesture was welcomed by the leadership of the university community.

The President of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union Government, Temitayo Adeboye, represented by the Mellanby Hall Students’ Representative, Emmanuel Oladokun; the Hall Warden, Dr Abiola; and the Hall Chairman, Simon Unai, commended Gbolarumi for returning to his alma mater and supporting the students.

They described the visit and donation as a source of relief and motivation to residents of the hall.

At the University of Ibadan Central Mosque, Gbolarumi joined Muslim faithful for a special prayer for peace and progress in Oyo State and Nigeria.

He also made a donation to the Muslim community at the university and called for greater religious tolerance, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence among residents of the state irrespective of religious affiliation.

The visit, according to the PDP candidate, was part of his commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with institutions and communities that contributed to his personal development and to promoting unity, tolerance and development across Oyo State.