Last week, the leadership of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), led by Group Managing Director Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa, paid courtesy visits to the University of Ibadan and The Polytechnic, Ibadan. These visits are part of OICL’s broader engagement strategy to build meaningful partnerships with institutions that shape the South-West region’s development.
The OICL delegation included Mrs. Abiola Ajayi, Company Secretary and Head of Legal (also Executive Secretary of the Odu’a Investment Foundation); Engr. Olusoji Sangobiyi, Technical Assistant to the GMD; Mr. Victor Ayetoro, Head of Branding and Communications; and Mr. Kazeem Oguntoyinbo, Branding and Communications Manager.
At the University of Ibadan, the team was received by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Aderonke Baiyeroju, who welcomed them on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale. She emphasized the university’s commitment to partnerships and that the visit aligns with the University’s “Gown and Town” philosophy.
Mr. Yinusa shared OICL’s history as a legacy conglomerate focused on sustainable, innovation-driven growth. He noted that beyond profit, OICL seeks to make meaningful impact on society. He spotlighted subsidiaries like SWAgCo (South West Agriculture Company), which is promoting food security through modern agribusiness, and SWIT (South West Innovation and Technology), which is building digital capabilities across the region. Both subsidiaries, he noted, present areas of synergy with the university.
Mrs. Ajayi introduced the Odu’a Investment Foundation’s DEFINED initiative (Digital Education for Innovation and Economic Development), which supports digital literacy through programs like the Byte Busters Coding Club.
Prof. Baiyeroju expressed appreciation for the visit and affirmed UI’s readiness to collaborate on shared goals. She noted that as the university nears its 77th anniversary, infrastructure renewal remains a pressing challenge. She welcomed the idea of working with strategic partners like OICL. The visit ended with an exchange of institutional gifts and a commitment to explore opportunities for meaningful collaboration.
At The Polytechnic, Ibadan, the OICL team was warmly received by the Acting Rector, Dr. Abideen Lasisi.
Addressing the Polytechnic’s leadership, Mr. Yinusa stressed the importance of technical education in national development. He also emphasized the need for synergy between educational institutions and business entities.
Dr. Lasisi reiterated the significance of technical skills in driving transformation in Nigeria. He also emphasized the need for sustained collaboration between industry and educational institutions.
As a gesture of honor, the Acting Rector conferred upon Mr. Yinusa the title of Honorary Ambassador of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, symbolized by the presentation of a ceremonial neck shawl and badge. Other members of the OICL team were also decorated with honorary badges of the polytechnic.
