In a remarkable act of generosity and commitment to educational development, Dr. John Tanimola Obaro, Managing Director, CEO, and Founder of SystemSpecs, and creator of the popular Remita payment platform, has donated a 5,000-seater multipurpose hall to McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State. The edifice, named Stephen & Hannah Obaro Multipurpose Hall, was dedicated in honour of his late parents.
The grand facility was officially commissioned by the General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria and Visitor to the University, Rev. Dr. Sam Aboyeji. The event drew distinguished guests from academia, business, government, and the church community, all gathered to celebrate this historic milestone.
Valued at over ₦1 billion, the state-of-the-art complex is designed to accommodate up to 5,000 persons at once. It houses modern conference centers, a commercial shop, more than 60 toilets, and several offices, making it one of the largest and most advanced facilities on campus.
This monumental project follows Dr. Obaro’s earlier donation of a multimillion-naira College of Computing, which continues to serve as a hub for innovation and research at McPherson University. The new multipurpose hall further strengthens his enduring support for education and capacity development in Nigeria.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francis Igbasan, expressed profound appreciation to Dr. Obaro for his extraordinary generosity. He described the building as “the largest and most significant structure in the history of McPherson University,” adding that it will serve as a centre for academic, social, and spiritual gatherings for generations to come.
Prof. Igbasan also called on well-meaning individuals, alumni, and benefactors to support the university in furnishing the hall and equipping its conference centers. He emphasized that McPherson University remains open to partnerships and collaborations that will enhance its learning and infrastructural environment.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Engr. Pastor Kunle Allen, shared the inspiring story behind the building and the journey leading to its completion. He encouraged donors and development partners to invest in the university’s growth through endowments, donations, or build-operate-transfer partnerships. He further noted that the university still requires additional halls of residence, lecture theatres, and faculty buildings.
Among the notable personalities in attendance were Rev. Randy Remington, President of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, and his wife, Mrs. Sandy Remington; Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman of MTN Nigeria Communications PLC; Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Steven Adegbite, Chaplain of Aso Rock Chapel; Prof. Reuben Olu Obaro, alongside his wife, siblings & family members and several other dignitaries.
In his remarks, Dr. Obaro explained that the project was named in honour of his late parents, Stephen and Hannah Obaro, who, despite their modest educational background, worked tirelessly to provide education for their children. He fondly recalled joking with his mother, who only had a primary education, that she was “a mother of graduates.”
He described the Stephen & Hannah Obaro Multipurpose Hall as a legacy project dedicated to his parents and to the advancement of education. Dr. Obaro emphasized his belief in the transformative power of education and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that empower future generations.
