The Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, has described educational projects as seeds that grow into generational investments, praising efforts to invest in education as vital for societal development.
Speaking at the unveiling of a faith-based Sultan Hanafi Royal College, Ikorodu, Lagos, Makinde expressed his support for the school by donating N10m to help train less privileged students.
He also commended the school’s founder, Mr Olanrewaju Anofi, who he described as a trusted former accountant in his company, for his commitment to education.
“Mr Anofi is not only a colleague but my Chief Accountant, and if he had not been a person of integrity, I wouldn’t be here today. The most challenging department to work in is the Accounts department, and he earned my trust,”
“Although the Sultan Hanafi Royal College may seem like a small beginning, it will grow and flourish. The seed you plant today will germinate, and the students who graduate from here will go on to impact society.”
Makinde also reiterated his administration’s commitment to education as one of the four key pillars of his governance.
He said, “When you start an educational project, you are planting a seed for the future.
“I want to congratulate the vision bearer, the parents, and the students.”
As part of his support for the school, Makinde pledged N10 million to fund the education of underprivileged students, emphasising the importance of seizing educational opportunities.
“To the students here, this is an opportunity you must not take for granted. You are the future. Among you are potential engineers, senators, presidents, and governors,” he added.
Anofi in his speech said that Sultan Hanafi Royal College was established as a personal contribution to society, driven by a deep belief that education was the cornerstone of sustainable development and societal growth.
The school, named in honor of the founder’s late father, Sultan Hanafi Aliu Akano, aims to provide a transformative educational experience that blends Islamic and secular knowledge.
He said that Sultan Hanafi Aliu Akano’s passion for education and his dedication to philanthropy left an indelible impact, and inspired him to continue his legacy by creating an institution that served as a beacon of hope and knowledge for the community.
“Our mission is to offer a holistic education that combines both Islamic and secular teachings through rigorous research and effective teaching methods.
“We aim to nurture well-rounded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society. This approach goes beyond academic achievement it’s about character-building, leadership, and instilling ethical behavior in our students. We firmly believe that by providing our children with quality education and teaching them ethical conduct, we can help reduce crime and improve our society.”
While speaking on the achievements of Sultan Hanafi Royal College
He added, “As the institution celebrates its growth, the founder reflected on the college’s accomplishments. Sultan Hanafi Royal College has completed the construction of state-of-the-art facilities, including fully functional science laboratories and an ICT center. The school has also assembled a team of skilled and dedicated educators who are passionate about guiding students toward success.
“Over the past few years, the college’s students have excelled in academic and extracurricular activities, particularly in debate and Qur’an competitions within the community. The school looks forward to taking its talented students to the international stage, aiming to expand their horizons and showcase their talents globally.”
Anofi also called for support of the Sultan Hanafi Royal College Endowment Fund.
“Despite the progress made, Sultan Hanafi Royal College continues to rely on support to sustain and enhance the quality of education it offers. One of the institution’s most pressing needs is providing assistance to students who struggle to afford tuition fees and learning resources. Many of these students come from disadvantaged backgrounds but have immense potential if given the right opportunities.
“To address this challenge, the college has established the Sultan Hanafi Royal College Endowment Fund. The fund is designed to ensure that every student, regardless of their financial situation, has access to a quality education.”