The sun-soaked campus of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, came alive recently as students, scholars, royalty and dignitaries gathered for the commissioning of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre, a space conceived not just as a building, but as a living reminder that purpose, patience and perseverance shape lasting success.
At the heart of the moment was the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose presence drew warm cheers from students as she formally unveiled the centre alongside the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, wives of some state governors, royal fathers, university officials, and Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Also present was Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, the vice chancellor of the university.
The commissioning marked the formal handover of a facility designed to inspire young people through storytelling, mentorship and reflection, capturing why the centre was built, who it was built for, and how it is expected to shape students’ personal and professional journeys.
Speaking with visible emotion, Senator Tinubu expressed delight that her life story, anchored on faith, service and determination, had been preserved within a space intentionally created to strengthen the confidence of young Nigerians.
She explained that the Dream Centre was established to remind students “not to covet the dreams of others but to walk patiently with their own,” noting that achievement is built on discipline, consistency and inner conviction.
She emphasized that the centre was created for both boys and girls, reflecting her belief that every young person deserves equal encouragement to aspire, grow and lead.
The facility, she noted, houses inspirational materials, including her four-part book series, The Journey of Grace, written to show how divine guidance shaped her path and to offer students direction and motivation.
Recalling the origin of the project, the First Lady revealed that what began as a modest proposal for a pavilion later evolved into the Dream Centre.
She said the vision was expanded deliberately, driven by a desire to create something that would outlive her and serve as a lasting legacy for generations of students.
She expressed joy that the centre had become a reality in a university renowned for producing influential personalities across Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife traced the story of the Dream Centre back to 2019, when he approached the then Vice Chancellor, Professor Ogumbore, alongside Dr. Akio Adijuwa, to request a space within the university to honour Senator Tinubu.
He noted that the university senate initially resisted the proposal, citing its long-standing tradition of reserving such recognition for the institution’s founding fathers.
After extensive deliberations, approval was eventually granted for a three-kilometre road to be named Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way, a breakthrough the monarch described as pivotal in setting the stage for the Dream Centre.
According to him, the project suffered delays during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 but was revived when Senator Tinubu became First Lady, a development he described as divine timing.
Praising her enduring impact, the monarch affectionately referred to her as “Mama,” describing her as a woman whose endeavours flourish and whose service continues to inspire.
He said,
“The Dream Centre was not built for girls alone but for all students,” underscoring the importance of equal opportunity and shared access to mentorship. Despite earlier resistance, he noted, the centre symbolises “perseverance, recognition and collective commitment to supporting young Nigerians.”
Kashifu Inuwa, the NITDA director general, described the Dream Centre as a place where storytelling, learning and reflection converge to help students understand the value of resilience, leadership and vision. He said the facility allows young people to engage with Senator Tinubu’s life story in a structured environment that reinforces the belief that dreams can be realised through steady effort.
Inuwa added that the centre is “a space where students can explore narratives that challenge them to develop patience, strength and confidence in their capabilities,” stressing the importance of environments that help young people visualise their goals clearly through real-life examples.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor described the commissioning as a milestone for OAU, noting that the Dream Centre stands alongside student hostels as a space dedicated to inspiration and excellence.
He said,
“This centre is part of broader interventions that support academic and community life on campus.”
According to him, the facility will continue to serve as a hub for motivation, creativity and mentorship, ensuring that the life and story of Senator Oluremi Tinubu remain accessible for generations.
e added that the project aligns with the university’s commitment to nurturing leaders, innovators and dreamers whose aspirations can shape the nation.
The Vice Chancellor further noted that the Dream Centre reflects OAU’s dedication to providing resources that strengthen students’ academic, moral and emotional growth, describing it as “a gift for the future, a place where dreams can take shape.”
The building was conceptualised and donated to the university by the Ooni of Ife, while NITDA supplied the IT-enabled devices, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the project.
As the event drew to a close, guests toured the facility, exploring its resources and reflecting on the messages shared during the commissioning. Their excitement underscored a shared belief that the Dream Centre had arrived at a defining moment in students’ academic journeys.
The day ended with a quiet but powerful conviction: that the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre represents more than bricks and mortar.
It stands as a vision realized, one that will shape how young Nigerians think, grow and pursue excellence for years to come.
