By Toyin Falola
Chief Kola Daisi is a force to reckon with in Nigeria, most especially in Ibadan—the capital city of Oyo State. His name is synonymous with excellence, leadership, and philanthropy. Chief Daisi is a visionary leader and philanthropist who has left an indelible mark on Ibadanland, where he hails from. He currently holds the prominent title of Basorun in the city. Born to a humble background on September 14, 1932, in Ibadan, Chief Daisi had his elementary and secondary education in the city and later proceeded to study Economics and law at the University of London. His remarkable journey from a humble background to becoming a lawyer, a renowned businessman and an international statesman is an indication that he is indeed a dedicated person.
He is an enigma born out of passion and nurtured by vision. He worked with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) for eleven years, and he rose to the position of Chief Executive. Similarly, he served as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). The chief co-founded the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and became its first Executive Director.
As a high chief of Ibadan and a known philanthropist, the chief established his Kola Daisi Foundation in 1993. The foundation is built to solve problems in three core areas: healthcare, poverty alleviation, and education. In promoting healthcare services, the foundation has been providing financial help to needy patients. This gave birth to the ‘Itunu Funds’ operating at UCH, the University of Ibadan teaching hospital. This fund aims to help disadvantaged patients who are unable to pay for the healthcare services they need. The foundation has also built primary healthcare centres in the city of Ibadan to make quality healthcare available to the local people. The healthcare centres partnered with UCH to provide basic and quality health services to the people.
Additionally, the foundation is also making waves in alleviating poverty in the society. A lot of businesses and petty traders have benefited from the numerous grants and loans with low interest given out by the foundation. There is also the organization of vocational skills programmes to train youths and fight against the disease of unemployment that’s ravaging society. All feel Chief Kola Daisi’s impact on the Basorun and it is sundry in the city of Ibadan and its environs.
Furthermore, through this foundation, he has made several contributions and impacts in the lives of many Nigerians, both at home and abroad. The foundation has made numerous donations to Nigerian Universities and secondary schools, given out several awards of scholarships to deserving students and organized vocational skills acquisition programmes. The chief’s desire to make a lasting mark in the provision of quality education and training to the youth resulted in the establishment of his university, which is his most enduring legacy. He believes greatly in the assertion that education is the best legacy.
Prof Adeniyi Olatunbosun, VC Kola Daisi University
Chief Daisi’s dedication and interest in education gave birth to his renowned school, Koladaisi University (KDU) in Ibadan. The school is a testament to his passion for quality education. KDU was approved by the Federal Executive Council and licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to operate as a private university in November 2016. The institution provides quality education and creates an impressive learning environment. The chief’s vision for KDU is rooted in his conviction that education holds the key to unlocking Africa’s potential. The school is also birthed out of his desire to offer the present generation the level of quality education he was offered in London.
Koladaisi University is a conventional institution that emphasizes courses that inspire and empower students to become self-employed after graduation and to become solution-driven leaders who are equipped to solve Africa’s challenges. Chief Daisi’s vision to produce talented, great minds inspires the school’s focus on vocational training, entrepreneurship and innovative research. The school also collaborates with industries and companies to ensure that KDU’s program addresses real-world challenges. The great citadel of learning also boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern facilities, up-to-date laboratories, and an e-library, amongst others.
Chief Daisi’s vision to make quality education accessible to all and sundry led to the numerous scholarship programs available on a merit basis and need base to empower deserving students. This is also an attempt to make the institution on par with other universities. Successful schools are known for their wide range of scholarship programs for local and international students.
Another evidence of the chief’s dedication to providing quality education is the selection of one of the best minds to run the affairs of the school. The appointment of Prof Adeniyi Olatunbosun SAN as the vice-chancellor of the school is a testament to the institution’s excellence. Professor Olatunbosun is an erudite scholar and a professor of law. He’s a force to reckon with in the academic sector. Prof Adeniyi studied at Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Lagos, respectively, to earn his degrees. He worked at OAU for a while and later transferred to The University of Ibadan, where he was pronounced a professor in 2013. The V.C. has over 27 years of experience both within and outside the university services. He brings his A-game to serve the institution with his wealth of experience in relevant administrative, leadership, teaching, and research.
Since its inception, Koladaisi University has been proven to solve the problems of quality, cost, and access faced by the education sector. The university is accessible to a larger proportion of the Nigerian youth by making the school fees affordable. Also, the belief of the founder that Nigeria is desperately in need of innovative leaders is the driving force behind the vision and mission of the institution. KDU is envisioned to be an excellent institution that produces graduates who will be able to respond to the socio-economic needs of society. And also to nurture and produce graduates with high employability features, skills and competencies to help in transforming the country. The graduates of the school are also trained to compete with their peers both locally and internationally.
Chief Koladaisi has built his legacy, which extends way beyond his impressive credentials. He has proven to be an excellent personality with the passion to influence his society positively. He believes that education is the bedrock of society and one of the solutions to the challenges of Nigeria and the African continent at large. His selfless contributions to Ibadanland and, by extension, the country through his Koladaisi Foundation and University have proven to transform many lives. He is indeed living beyond expectation as the Basorun, and he continues to inspire both the old and young generations.
P.S.: This is a four-part series composed in Accra to mark the 4th Convocation Ceremony of Koladaisi University, Dec. 1st to 7th, 2024.
