A Call to Purpose, Passion, and Excellence: iCentra CEO Inspires LASU Students
Mr. Taopheek Babayeju, CEO of iCentra and recipient of the prestigious PMI Eric Jenett Person of the Year Award, recently delivered a powerful keynote address at his alma mater, Lagos State University (LASU). The event, part of the "Inspiring Excellence, Empowering the Next Generation" tour organized under the TAB Development Initiatives, aimed to cultivate a culture of value-driven leadership and impactful service among the students. Speaking to a captivated audience of students, faculty, and guests from the Departments of Physics and Project Management, Babayeju emphasized the importance of purpose, passion, and excellence in achieving true success. He challenged students to view life as a project, requiring intentional planning, strategic execution, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, not just credentials. He underscored the significance of value creation, asserting that true success follows those who focus on contributing value to the world, rather than merely chasing monetary gains.
Babayeju’s return to LASU was marked not only by inspiring words but also by tangible contributions to the university’s academic development. He announced a generous N5 million endowment fund for the Department of Physics, to be awarded annually over ten years to the student with the best final-year project. This gesture, met with enthusiastic applause, demonstrated his deep commitment to fostering innovation and academic excellence within his former department. Furthermore, he unveiled #Project1500, a free capacity-building initiative that will offer 100 students from the Physics and Project Management departments training in vital areas such as project management, digital transformation, and agile methodologies. LASU will be the first institution to benefit from this program, further solidifying Babayeju’s commitment to equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the modern professional landscape.
The event was enriched by several key figures who highlighted the importance of Babayeju’s visit and his contributions to LASU. Professor Moses Akanbi, Dean of the Faculty of Science, commended Babayeju for choosing LASU as the inaugural stop for the national excellence tour, emphasizing the importance of giving back and upholding excellence as drivers of transformation. Dr. Oluwafunmilayo Ometan, Acting Head of the Department of Physics, praised Babayeju’s inspirational leadership and his dedication to shaping future-ready graduates. She expressed gratitude for the support that made the event possible, highlighting the collaborative effort between Babayeju and the university.
Beyond the keynote address, the event featured an engaging career session with students, a knowledge quiz with exciting rewards, including signed copies of Babayeju’s book "UNLOCK," and a visit to the Vice-Chancellor’s office. During the visit, Babayeju shared personal reflections on his time at LASU, reinforcing his dedication to contributing to the university’s legacy. Dr. Kayode Akinade, Group CEO of Glovis Global and an associate of Babayeju, further amplified this commitment by pledging an additional N10 million donation to the faculty. Professor Oseni Afisi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), representing Vice-Chancellor Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, expressed the university’s profound gratitude for the generous endowments and reaffirmed LASU’s dedication to nurturing future leaders capable of driving positive change across various sectors.
The "Inspiring Excellence" tour at LASU served as a powerful demonstration of the impact of alumni engagement and the transformative power of giving back. Babayeju’s visit not only provided valuable insights and inspiration to the students but also reinforced the importance of purpose-driven leadership and the pursuit of excellence in all endeavors. His generous endowments and the #Project1500 initiative will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the academic and professional development of LASU students, empowering them to make a lasting positive impact on society. The event concluded with a tour of the Faculty of Science and interactions with faculty leadership, solidifying the connection between Babayeju, his alma mater, and the students he inspired.
This event exemplifies the profound impact individuals can have when they combine their passion for their field with a commitment to giving back to their communities. Babayeju’s actions serve as a shining example of how successful professionals can leverage their experience and resources to empower the next generation of leaders. By sharing his insights, providing financial support, and establishing capacity-building initiatives, he is actively investing in the future of his alma mater and contributing to the development of a more skilled and purpose-driven workforce. The resounding success of the "Inspiring Excellence" tour at LASU sets a high bar for future alumni engagement and highlights the crucial role such initiatives play in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
