By Idris Katib
The official commissioning of Karim Foundation Hall of Residence at Crescent University was commissioned on Friday 16th October, 2026 as a side attraction to Day One of the 18th Convocation of Crescent University, Abeokuta.
The aesthetic building was commissioned by the donors, Agbaoye Orikolade Karim and Yeye Olufunke Karim, in company of the Proprietor and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Prince Adesegun Ajibola SAN, Pro-Chancellor, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti,FCA, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Gbajabiamila, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rasaki Kareem,HRM Oba Mutiu Adedimeji Alani Lawal, the Oloola of Ilara and other distinguished personalities.
Chief Karim recounted that the inspiration to donate the building came when he and his wife attended a book launch organised in honour of late founder of the institution, Prince Bola Ajibola in 2025.
He said before leaving the programme, his wife, Yeye Olufunke Kareem had had the same impression he had to support the vision of the former judge of the International Court of Justice, adding that she would subsequently impressed it on him to ensure that the endowment was accomplished. He described his wife as a driver and accomplisher of worthy vision.
Chief Karim said it was an honor of his family to appreciate the Ajibola family through the donation, considering what judge Ajibola accomplished for humanity in terms of a long standing legacy. Cutting the tape “in the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful”, Chief Karim dedicated thr building to the Almighty and the use of humanity, describing the endowment as a small way to support efforts of Prince Bola Ajibola to humanity.
Earlier in his appreciation remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibraheem xrayed the vision and mission of Prince Bola Ajibola on Crescent University, which was originally meant to be a housing estate.
Gbajabiamila explained that Prince Bola Ajibola sold all his assets home and abroad to start the university, which was pedestalled on academic and moral excellence. He said at Crescent University, if you fail in character, you fail in all.
The vice chancellor expressed appreciation to the donors and the Site Engineer, Olaolu for his professional efforts to the building from the start to the accomplishment.
In his “Thank You” message, Prince Adesegun Ajibola went memory lane telling the story of establishing Crescent University which he said he and other people initially considered as a distraction to the extent that it led to a rift between him and his father.
He said his father usually took his time to explain the vision behind the future of Project Crescent University and at a point he became interested in the project when he was convinced of the rationale behind his idea.
Prince Adesegun Ajibola seized the opportunity to express gratitude to his siblings Mrs Modupe Afikuyomi, Prince Zakariyya Ademola Ajibola, Mrs Toyin Awosika, Mr Akinmade Ajibola and Islam Ajibola for their contributions support in forging ahead.
Wondering how best to thank the Karim family, for their donation, he described their endorsement as one of the best in Crescent University.
Other personalities at the event are the University Bursar, Dr Gbadebo Ofunmefun, Chairman, Ceremonials Committee, Dr Kola Adesina and Secretary-General, Islamic Mission for Africa, Alhaji Saheed Aweda
