Dr. David Oyedepo, the Chancellor of Covenant University and Landmark University, today paid a courtesy visit to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) and its affiliated Obasanjo Institute for Strategic and Policy Studies in Abeokuta, where he announced a significant commitment to collaborate with the institution.
The visit, which saw the respected academic and spiritual leader spend several hours at the expansive library complex, was centered on exploring avenues to merge the private sector’s educational expertise with the Institute’s focus on policy development, leadership, and historical preservation.
Upon his arrival, Dr. Oyedepo was received by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the founder of the Institute. The two leaders engaged in a closed-door meeting, after which they conducted a tour of the facility’s key landmarks, including the renowned library archives and the Olusegun Obasanjo African Leadership Museum.
Speaking to journalists after the tour, Dr. Oyedepo expressed admiration for the Institute’s role in preserving Nigeria’s political history and fostering intellectual discourse. He emphasized the need for synergy between faith-based educational institutions and policy research centers to address developmental challenges.
“This institution stands as a critical repository of our history and a think-tank for the future of Africa. I am here to pledge our full collaboration. We believe that by combining the robust academic structures of our universities with the strategic research capacity of this Institute, we can build a stronger pipeline for leadership development and national transformation,” Dr. Oyedepo stated.
He hinted that the collaboration would likely involve joint research initiatives, leadership summits, and student exchange programs between the Obasanjo Institute and the universities under his Chancellorship.
Former President Obasanjo welcomed the pledge, noting that the partnership aligns with the core mandate of the Institute to engage with stakeholders who are committed to the advancement of the continent.
“Dr. Oyedepo is a man of vision who has shown what is possible in the educational sector in Nigeria. The Institute is not just about the past; it is about building the future. This collaboration will bring together academic rigor and practical governance insights, which is exactly what Africa needs to harness the potential of its youth,” Obasanjo remarked.
The visit concluded with the exchange of commemorative plaques and a private lunch. This development marks a notable alignment between one of Nigeria’s largest private university systems and a key institution of political and strategic studies.