| By Godwin Ugbaka
Side view of the Gazebo Seat-out rebuilt by Nova Graduating Class of 2026 commissioned by Prof Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole on Monday.
Professor Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole (middle) supported by University officers unveiled the donor plaque during the commissioning of the Gazebo seat-out rebuilt by Nova Graduating Class of 2026 on Monday.
The President/Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Professor Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, has commended the Nova Graduating Class of 2026 for their remarkable initiative in rebuilding the Gazebo seat-out, a legacy project originally constructed by the Class of 2018.
Professor Ojewole, accompanied by the Vice-President for Student Development, Professor Tolani Williams, other University officers, and student sponsors, commissioned the renovated facility on October 26. The structure, located between the Nelson Mandela and Samuel Akande activity halls, now stands as a renewed symbol of resilience and leadership.
At the commissioning, Professor Ojewole praised the graduating class for their foresight and commitment noting that said the decision to rebuild the structure speaks volumes about the quality of leadership in the class and serves as an encouragement to current and future graduating sets.
“We want to thank our students who ensured they left a mark for posterity — a mark of building when others are destroying; a mark of providing shade from the elements and protection for people. This project represents restoration, hope, and service.”
He further prayed that the Nova Class of 2026 would become agents of restoration in society, bringing renewed hope and joy wherever they go and that God will use them in rebuilding “broken places and broken relationships, so that where people thought nothing good could come out, you will bring new life.”
Earlier, the NOVA Undergraduate Class 2026 Sponsor, Dr. Bukola Alao, explained that the choice of rebuilding the Gazebo damaged by weather elements, was to preserve its value and significance in keeping with graduating classes’ tradition of leaving behind legacy projects. She also noted that another legacy project by the class is located at the Iperu campus.
Vice President of the Nova Class (BCED), Samuel Owoeye, expressed gratitude to the University administration for the opportunity to contribute to the institution’s infrastructural development, reaffirming the class’ commitment to service and legacy.
The commissioning ceremony highlights Babcock University’s enduring culture of legacy-building, where each graduating set leaves behind projects that enrich the campus environment and inspire future generations.