In anticipation of its forthcoming 2nd Convocation Ceremony scheduled for November 26th, 2025, Thomas Adewumi University (TAU), Oko-Irese, warmly received Pastor (Dr.) Olatunde Oladokun, the Chairman/CEO of the Self Reliance Economic Advancement Programme (SEAP), and his team of senior executives on a courtesy visit to the University.
Pastor (Dr.) Oladokun, who is set to be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in recognition of his outstanding contributions to economic empowerment, leadership, and national development, was welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francisca O. Oladipo, alongside principal officers and members of the University Management team.
The SEAP delegation was introduced by Ms. Akinbola Mariam, Head of Human Resources at SEAP, who expressed the organization’s appreciation for the warm reception accorded them. The team included: Adeboye Yetunde (Head, Risk Department), Elegboja Tosin (Head, Monitoring & Evaluation), Adewale Adedamola (Head, Legal Department), Oladele Olabode (Head, Finance & Accounts), Eleja Sakariyau (Head, Internal Audit), and Ayoola Kehinde (Information Officer).
Following the introductions, Professor Oladipo delivered an insightful presentation titled “Building on a Proud Legacy,” which offered the guests an overview of the University’s vision, mission, and strategic direction. She highlighted TAU’s focus on STEM-i: Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine, Management & Social Sciences, and Innovation. She emphasized that the University stands as “Africa’s Knowledge Hub and the Light of the Community,” providing an enabling environment for learning, innovation, and social impact.
The Vice-Chancellor spoke extensively on the University’s academic growth and development since its establishment in 2021, noting that TAU currently runs 29 undergraduate and 27 postgraduate programmes, as well as professional certifications designed to enhance students’ employability and leadership potential. She emphasized TAU’s international partnerships with reputable institutions across the globe and its commitment to sustainable education practices.
Professor Oladipo proudly noted that TAU is a self-sustaining University, producing up to 85% of its food consumption needs through its agricultural initiatives. She also spotlighted the University’s Free SDGs Summer School, which aligns with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the TAU Career Centre, where every student graduates with at least two professional certifications alongside their degree.
She concluded by unveiling the floor plan of the upcoming Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, describing it as one of the University’s landmark projects aimed at fostering creativity and self-reliance among students. Expressing her delight, the Vice-Chancellor warmly welcomed Pastor (Dr.) Oladokun and his team, commending SEAP’s commitment to social empowerment and hinting at potential future collaborations between both institutions.
In his remarks, Pastor (Dr.) Olatunde Oladokun expressed profound appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and her team for the warm reception and commended TAU’s remarkable progress in such a short period. He praised the University’s commitment to excellence and innovation, describing it as a “rising star” in Nigeria’s higher education system.
Using his own life story as a lesson in perseverance and purpose, Pastor (Dr.) Oladokun shared his journey from humble beginnings to founding SEAP, an organization dedicated to fighting poverty and empowering individuals through microcredit and entrepreneurship support. He described SEAP’s expansion into diverse business ventures including water production, poultry farming, and product distribution (Vitali, Unilever, and others) as a testament to what faith, focus, and vision can achieve. He emphasized the importance of wisdom, faith, and vision as guiding principles for success and revealed that the honorary degree from TAU would be his third such recognition, which he attributed to divine grace.
Pastor (Dr.) Oladokun pledged to support TAU’s growth through future collaborations and philanthropic initiatives, saying, “You need to help somebody to help you.” He commended his staff for their dedication to advancing SEAP’s mission and expressed gratitude to the University for the forthcoming honorary award. He further assured that SEAP would maintain a good relationship with TAU, adding, “We will be ambassadors of Thomas Adewumi University. I love the humble beginnings of this institution, and I encourage you to keep looking ahead and embrace the future.”
The visit concluded with a guided campus tour, where Pastor (Dr.) Oladokun was shown around key university facilities, including the solar farm, engineering workshop, vocational centre, faculty buildings, and agricultural farms. He expressed admiration for the University’s serene environment, advanced infrastructure, and dedication to hands-on, sustainable learning.
This courtesy visit marked the beginning of a promising relationship between Thomas Adewumi University and SEAP, both united in their shared commitment to empowerment, innovation, and excellence in nation-building.
About SEAP
The Self Reliance Economic Advancement Programme (SEAP) is a business-oriented, non-profit, non-political, non-religious, and non-governmental organization (NGO) that began operations in 1998 and was officially registered in 2000. SEAP seeks to promote sustainable livelihoods for the less privileged and foster economic self-reliance among individuals and communities.
Primarily focused on economic empowerment, capacity building, and poverty alleviation, SEAP has been a driving force in promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Nigeria. The organization operates as a God-inspired initiative dedicated to uplifting the underprivileged, transforming thousands of lives from poverty to prosperity across 19 states of the federation, with over 500,000 active members.
Through its diverse empowerment programmes, SEAP continues to play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth within and beyond Nigeria.
