- Taopheek Babayeju, PMI Eric Jenett Person of the Year, charges LASU students…donates ₦5M endowment for best Physics project over the next ten years
The Chief Executive Officer of iCentra and recipient of the prestigious PMI Eric Jenett Person of the Year award, Mr Taopheek Babayeju, has charged students of the Faculty of Science and the Department of Project Management to strive for greatness, unlock their full potential, and leave a lasting impact on their generation.
He noted that life, in itself, is a project, and every individual must chart a clear course and act with purpose in order to make meaningful contributions.
Mr Babayeju delivered this charge on Monday, 16th June 2025, at the event tagged “Inspiring Excellence Tour Lagos”, held at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, Lagos State University, Main Campus, Ojo. The event was themed “Inspiring Excellence, Empowering the Next Generation.”
Speaking passionately to students of the Faculty of Science and the Department of Project Management, Mr Babayeju stressed that life does not hand out success, rather, it must be taken through vision, strategy, and action.
“Success,” he said, “is not defined by the certificates you hold, but by the problems you are able to solve for your generation.” He encouraged the audience not to chase money, but to create value, assuring them that wealth will follow value creation.
He further stated that the core of human existence is the service carried out with excellence, diligence, purpose, and passion. He urged the students not merely to “follow their passion”, but to infuse passion into whatever they choose to do, in order to achieve greatness and leave a legacy of excellence.
Earlier, the Dean, Faculty of Science, Professor Moses Akanbi, in his welcome remarks, applauded Mr Babayeju for his heartfelt commitment and generous gesture to give back to his alma mater. He praised his decision to begin the national tour at LASU and appreciated the presence of senior academics, invited guests, and the active participation of students and scholars from the Departments of Physics and Project Management.
Professor Akanbi affirmed that excellence is the bedrock of progress in today’s world. He added that Lagos State University has remained steadfast in producing outstanding graduates capable of transforming society.
“We must all continue to pursue and promote excellence,” he said, “for it is the key to reaching the top and remaining there.”
The Acting Head, Department of Physics, Dr Oluwafunmilayo Ometan, in her remarks, encouraged the students to seize the opportunity before them and learn deeply from the keynote speaker, a proud alumnus whose life and career exemplify excellence.
She extended her appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, and the university management for their support in making the event a reality, and expressed special gratitude to Mr Babayeju for his enduring impact and commitment to LASU.
In the course of the programme, there was a highly engaging moment when students were quizzed on questions related to their field of study. The winners were rewarded with cash prizes and personally autographed copies of Mr Babayeju’s inspiring book, “UNLOCK”, to the admiration of their peers and lecturers alike.
Dr Ometan gave the closing remarks and Vote of Thanks, rounding off the event on a high note of inspiration and gratitude.
Following the programme, Mr Babayeju, accompanied by his colleagues and senior academics from the Department of Physics, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Oseni Afisi, received the delegation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor at the 6th Floor, Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building.
During the visit, Mr Babayeju shared fond memories of his student days at LASU and expressed his deep desire to give back to the institution that laid the foundation for his career. In a generous gesture, he announced a ₦5 million endowment for the best final-year Physics project, ₦500,000 to be awarded annually for the next ten years.
Moved by the moment, his friend and fellow alumnus, Dr Kayode Akinlade, Group Chief Executive Officer of Glovis Global, who was also present, pledged a ₦10 million donation for the best graduating student in the Department of Physics over the same period – ₦1 million to be awarded annually for the next ten years.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed profound gratitude for their generosity and dedication to supporting the university’s legacy of academic excellence.
