The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and an adviser to the African Development Bank (AfDB), are set to attend the anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

Senior Special Adviser to the President of the African Development Bank, Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, will deliver the keynote address at the 55th anniversary celebration of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

The event is also aimed at strengthening the department’s future with the ambitious goal of an N5bn endowment fund to support research, infrastructure, and support for aspiring engineers to the advancement of chemical engineering.

The high-profile event is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Design Studio Auditorium, African Centre of Excellence, OAU.

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According to a statement on Wednesday by the department, the event will feature the launch of a commemorative book and the unveiling of an N5bn endowment fund to support innovation, research and academic development.

The celebration, themed ‘Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Securing the Future’, will host dignitaries from academia, industry and the royal institutions.

Convener of the event, Emmanuel Bajomo, said the anniversary was a platform to reflect on past achievements and build a future of academic excellence.

“This anniversary is not only a time to reflect on our achievements but also to prepare for an ambitious future. The presence of Professor Oyelaran-Oyeyinka and the Ooni of Ife underscores how deeply this department is valued both within Nigeria and globally,” he said.

Expected at the event is His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.

Chairman of the occasion and Chief Executive Officer of Green Energy International, Anthony Adegbulugbe, described the department as pivotal in Nigeria’s engineering development.

“The department has played a critical role in building Nigeria’s human capital in engineering. I am honoured to be part of a celebration that reflects our collective growth as a nation,” he said.

In his preview of the keynote speech, Oyelaran-Oyeyinka said engineering education remains central to Africa’s industrial and sustainable development.

“Sustainable development in Africa is impossible without investing in engineering education, research, and innovation. Departments like this are foundational to that future,” he said.

The programme will also feature a book review to be delivered by Mobolaji Aluko, Ekiti State Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities.

Other royal dignitaries expected include His Royal Majesty, Eberechukwu Oji, the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, and His Royal Highness, David Serena-Dokubo Spiff, Amadabo of Spiff Town, Ada Ama, and Twon Brass.

The chief host of the event is the Vice Chancellor of OAU, Professor Adebayo Bamire, while the host is Dean of the Faculty of Technology, Professor Lasisi Ejibunu Umoru.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Dr Olayinka Sanda, Head of Department, Chemical Engineering, said the gathering was aimed at strengthening the department’s future.

“This is a golden moment to reconnect, celebrate and contribute to the growth of chemical engineering at OAU. The N5bn endowment will power research, infrastructure, and support for upcoming engineers,” he said.