First Lady Gifts 21 Shuttle Buses To OAU Amid Jubilation
Management of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife on Friday, took delivery of 21 brand-new shuttle buses donated by Senator Oluremi Tinubu to ease mobility in the campus.
A statement by the public relations officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, revealed that the gesture was part of a total pledge of 50 buses describing the gesture as an unprecedented and heartwarming display of alumni loyalty and national pride,
He noted that the First Lady has fulfilled the first phase of her generous pledge to her alma mater, adding that the arrival of the buses sparked jubilant celebrations across the sprawling campus as students and staff hailed it as a beacon of hope for safer and more dignified mobility.
“Exactly one year after announcing her commitment during a grand commemorative event, the University took delivery of 21 brand-new shuttle buses on Friday, 10th October, 2025 marking a significant stride toward modernizing the institution’s beleaguered internal transportation system.
“The story traces back to October 2024, when Senator Tinubu, an illustrious graduate of OAU, graced the University grounds to attend the 50th birthday anniversary celebration of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni’risa (Dr.) Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II.
“Amid the festivities, the First Lady voiced profound concern over the many commercial motorcycles – popularly known as ‘Okada’ – as the primary mode of intra-campus transport. “This is not befitting of a 21st-century world-class African University,” she remarked at the time, highlighting the risks and inefficiencies that plagued the system.
“Moved by her deep-rooted connection to the institution, she pledged to support its overhaul by donating shuttle buses, envisioning a fleet that would enhance safety, complement the University’s iconic aesthetics, and foster a more conducive environment for learning , culture and innovation”.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, who applauded Mrs Tinubu’s kind gesture described the donation as “a luminous act of benevolence that illuminates the path toward institutional excellence.”.
He lauded Senator Tinubu’s foresight, noting, “This is not merely a gift of vehicles; it is a profound investment in the future of our scholars and the soul of our University. As an alumnus herself, the First Lady understands the heartbeat of OAU – the aspirations, the challenges, and the unyielding pursuit of greatness.” Bamire was quoted to have said.
ENDS