Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo Campus, came alive on Monday, June 16, 2025, as it welcomed home one of its distinguished alumni, Taopheek Babayeju, CEO of iCentra and recipient of the prestigious PMI Eric Jenett Person of the Year Award, for the Inspiring Excellence Tour.
Held at the Aderemi Makanjuola Hall, the event, themed “Inspiring Excellence, Empowering the Next Generation,” drew students, faculty members, and professionals for a day filled with insight, inspiration, and practical empowerment.
The programme began with a welcome address from Dr Funmi Ometan, acting head of the Physics Department, and opening remarks by Professor Moses Akanbi, dean of the Faculty of Science. Both applauded Mr Babayeju’s return and his commitment to youth development, encouraging students to maximise the rare opportunity to learn directly from one of their own.
In a keynote address that blended personal reflection with practical wisdom, Taopheek Babayeju challenged the students to pursue purpose, not just success. He stated, “Those who create value don’t chase money. Success is not accidental; it is a result of excellence, service, and leadership.”
During the event, Mr Babayeju officially launched #Project1500, a free capacity-building initiative that will provide training in digital transformation, agile and project management to 1,500 young professionals across Africa. The first cohort, he announced, will include 100 final-year students from LASU’s Physics, Project Management and other relevant departments, who will be equipped to thrive in an increasingly competitive and tech-driven workforce.
Adding to the momentum of the day was the announcement of a ₦5 million endowment fund for the Best Physics Project Award. The gesture reflects Mr Babayeju’s enduring commitment to academic excellence and innovation, aimed at inspiring groundbreaking ideas among LASU students.
The event concluded with a courtesy visit to the Office of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, who was ably represented by Professor Oseni Afisi, deputy vice chancellor (Academics), and attended by members of the university’s management team. Professor Afisi conveyed the university’s appreciation for Mr Babayeju’s generosity and dedication to youth development. He commended the Inspiring Excellence Tour and highlighted the inclusion of LASU in the Project 1500 first cohort as a notable gesture of alumni impact and institutional commitment.
Accompanying Mr Babayeju on the visit were notable guests, including Bashorun Ibraheem Babayeju, CEO of Ocean Midas; Mr Kayode Akinade, group CEO of Glovis Almond Group; Mr Taiwo Oshikoya, general manager of Ocean Midas; and Mr Bolaji Junaid, CEO of WhyFinite—all of whom exemplify the spirit of enterprise and excellence that the tour seeks to inspire.
In a similar vein and show of support, Mr Kayode Akinade, on behalf of the Kayode Akinade Foundation, pledged an additional sum of ₦10 million to the Faculty of Science, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening academic capacity and inspiring excellence within LASU.
Following the courtesy visit, Mr Babayeju and his team embarked on a guided tour of the Department of Physics and Faculty of Science, engaging with students and lecturers. The atmosphere was charged with optimism, and many students described the experience as both inspiring and transformational.
The Inspiring Excellence Tour, a high-impact initiative under the TAB Development Initiatives, will continue across select institutions nationwide. It will identify, empower, and invest in Africa’s next generation of changemakers through mentorship, endowments, and skills development.
