…Donates Million to Host School in Honour of Dr. Babatunde Ipaye’s Birthday

The Ajoke Ipaye Foundation has announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art, fully-equipped e-library in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, as part of its commitment to educational development and digital literacy among students. The major philanthropic gesture was unveiled on the occasion of the birthday celebration of Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, held yesterday at Keegbo Comprehensive High School, Ijebu Igbo.

Dr. Ipaye, in an emotional address, traced his success story to the benevolence of the community and the generosity of individuals who believed in his potential. He credited a philanthropic association that sponsored his WAEC examinations and his tuition throughout his undergraduate studies at Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University). He paid special tribute to the family of Chief Samuel  Olugbemi Ogungbe, who provided him with a sum of N9,000 in 1995 to establish his first medical facility~Idunnu Hospital. Today, the hospital has grown into a flourishing enterprise, culminating in the construction of a two-storey building which will, by June 6, be transformed into the Ajoke Ipaye House, serving as the permanent site for the e-library.

According to Ipaye, the digital library will provide round-the-clock internet access, house over 1,800 volumes of academic and professional literature, and serve as a hub for technological innovation, including robotics training and other tech-based empowerment programs. The facility, he assured, will be powered by uninterrupted electricity and will remain absolutely free to students at all levels of education in Ogun State, creating an enabling environment for research, learning, and innovation.

Reaffirming his dedication to educational empowerment, Dr. Ipaye pledged that the Ajoke Ipaye Foundation’s annual scholarship programme for indigent yet exceptionally brilliant students would not only continue but would outlive him as a legacy. “Each time I board a plane and encounter turbulence, people pray for safety, but I only say this, if my purpose in helping these students is fulfilled, let God take me. But if I am just beginning, let Him preserve me. And indeed, God has been faithful,” he said.

He proudly noted that over the 16 years of the foundation’s existence, it has produced lawyers, doctors, and PhD holders, with many graduating with First Class and at least Second Class Upper honours. He further pledged that any beneficiary who earns a First Class degree would have their Master’s education fully sponsored by the foundation.

Among this year’s beneficiaries who received scholarship cheques were: Kehinde Esther, Alowolodu Ibrahim, Adeyemi Adedayo, Sikiru Bolaji, Akeso Zainab, and Nofiu Taiwo.

While appreciating the host School, Keegbo Comprehensive High School, Atikori, Ijebu Igbo, Dr Ipaye announced a donation of a million naira to support the School projects, he also announced an undisclosed gift to the teachers of participating Secondary Schools.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Occasion, Professor Mojisola Ogungbe described Babatunde Ipaye as a proud son of their family who has always maintained the ethos of "Omoluwabi" and brilliance in all spheres of his endeavours. She admonished the Students who were present to emulate the virtues, academic prowess and distinction of the celebrant, seeing education as the only path to Sucess. 

As a testament to his community impact, Dr. Ipaye received an award of excellence from the Olokine of Ojowo, Ijebu Igbo, Alaiyeluwa Oba Abdulrasheed Abayomi Banjo, recognizing his unwavering contributions to education and social development. The celebration was further highlighted by a cultural performance from the Keegbo Comprehensive High School Cultural Troupe.

A keynote career talk titled "Education is the Only Path to Success" was delivered by Dr. A.O Adeleye of Human Kinetic Department of Olabisi Onabanjo University, inspiring students to strive for academic excellence as a pathway to greatness.

Distinguished guests at the occasion included the celebrant’s wife, Mrs. Ipaye, the Olokine of Ojowo, Ijebu Igbo, Alaiyeluwa Oba Abdulrasheed Abayomi Banjo, former Ijebu North Local Government Chairman Otunba Olaide Oshifeso, incumbent Chairman Mr. Bolaji Odusanya, the Zonal Education Officer, Asiwaju Lekan Lawal, the Royal King of the Royal Galaxy Klurb of Ijebuland & Asiwaju of Owu Kingdom. Also in attendance are Prof. Mojisola Ogungbe, Deacon Tunji Jayesimi, and Prof. Femi Osibamowo. Also Teachers and Students from Secondary Schools in Ijebu Igbo also graced the occasion.

The Ajoke Ipaye Foundation continues to serve as a beacon of hope, fostering academic excellence and empowering future leaders across Ogun State and beyond.