The University of Ibadan (UI), Nigeria’s premier institution of higher learning, has bestowed one of its highest honors on Chief Tunde Fanimokun, a distinguished developmental economist and philanthropist, naming him Ambassador Extraordinaire. The prestigious award was conferred during a ceremony held at the University Senate Chamber, marking a historic moment as UI celebrated its 75th anniversary and recognized Fanimokun’s monumental contributions to education and societal development.
Chief Fanimokun, fondly known as the “Super Perm Sec” from his days as Permanent Secretary of Economic Development under the late Governor Lateef Jakande of Lagos State, was lauded for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to progress. The event, attended by the university’s top management, alumni, and eminent Nigerians, also saw the groundbreaking of two iconic buildings—the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences and the Faculty of Science Postgraduate Complex—alongside the endowment of a Professorial Chair in Project Management in honor of the late HRM Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom. These benefactions, totaling N10.5 billion, were made possible through Fanimokun’s generosity and his DSE Foundation.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Fanimokun expressed profound gratitude to UI, Nigeria’s oldest degree-awarding institution, for the recognition. Reflecting on his career, he recounted his early days working under Governor Mobolaji Johnson in Lagos State after graduating from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). His trajectory took a defining turn when he met Chief Jakande, who challenged him to devise strategies for Lagos’ economic growth. Following Jakande’s 1979 election victory, Fanimokun was appointed Permanent Secretary, tasked with transforming the Victoria Island-to-Epe corridor into a hub for blue-chip companies—a vision that has since materialized with developments like the Dangote Refinery.
“UI has always been a beacon of excellence,” Fanimokun said. “Though I didn’t study here, I benefited immensely from the wisdom of UI professors during my tenure in Lagos. Today, I’m humbled to join this legacy as an Ambassador Extraordinaire.” He praised Vice-Chancellor Professor Kayode O. Adebowale for his transformative leadership, describing him as “a round peg in a round hole.” Fanimokun also highlighted his broader philanthropic efforts, noting that UI is the largest beneficiary among 13 institutions supported by his DSE Foundation, established in 2012 to advance education and entrepreneurship.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebowale, expressed deep appreciation for Fanimokun’s “heart of gold,” emphasizing that words could scarcely capture the impact of his contributions. “Chief Fanimokun’s benevolence ensures UI’s transition into a postgraduate powerhouse,” he said, pledging a sustainable partnership with the DSE Foundation. The ceremony concluded with the formal decoration of Fanimokun by Registrar Ganiyu O. Saliu, amid applause from attendees, including Professor Tajudeen Gbadebo Olusanya Gbadamosi, a retired UI alumnus instrumental in facilitating the benefactions.
At 80, Chief Fanimokun celebrated not just the honor but a life of service—from shaping Lagos’ economic landscape to managing the multibillion-dollar estates of the Folawiyo and Oniru families, and spearheading the iconic Banana Island project. “I built Lagos State, the Folawiyo conglomerate, and the Oniru Estate,” he declared with humility, adding that his entrepreneurial ventures continue to inspire. His latest pledge of N18 billion to Lagos State University (LASU) in January further cements his legacy as a titan of development and education.
