Lagos, Nigeria – June 16, 2025
Two and a half decades after graduating from Lagos State University (LASU), Taopheek Babayeju, CEO of iCentra and 2024 PMI Eric Jenett Person of the Year, returned to his alma mater not just as an alumnus but as a symbol of what it means to give back, inspire, and uplift.
On Monday, June 16, 2025, Mr. Babayeju was hosted by LASU as part of the “Inspiring Excellence Tour”, an initiative designed to empower the next generation through impactful conversations and transformational acts of generosity. Themed “Inspiring Excellence, Empowering the Next Generation,” the event brought together students, faculty, and university leaders for a dynamic exchange of vision, value, and purpose.
Speaking at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, Mr. Babayeju charged students of the Faculty of Science and the Department of Project Management to “strive for greatness, unlock their full potential, and serve with purpose.”
“Success,” he said, “is not in your certificates, but in the problems you can solve for your generation.”
Drawing from his journey from lecture halls at LASU to boardrooms across continents, Mr. Babayeju challenged students to look beyond titles and earnings. Instead, he urged them to infuse passion into their work, embrace responsibility, and commit to creating long-term value for society.
Launching Project1500 and Endowment Fund
Mr. Babayeju officially launched #Project1500, a free capacity-building initiative that will provide training in Digital Transformation, Agile, and Project Management to 1,500 young professionals across Africa. He announced that LASU will be the first institution to benefit from this initiative, with 100 final-year students from LASU’s Physics, Project Management, and other relevant departments, who will be equipped to thrive in an increasingly competitive and tech-driven workforce.
Following the event, Mr. Babayeju and his delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, where he reflected on his days as a student and expressed gratitude for the institution that laid the foundation for his remarkable career. He was warmly received by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Oseni Afisi, alongside members of the school management, all of whom commended his humility, commitment, and exceptional generosity.
In a landmark moment, Mr. Babayeju announced a ₦5 million endowment fund for the Best Physics Project Award.
The ripple effect was immediate. Mr. Kayode Akinade, on behalf of the Kayode Akinade Foundation, pledged an additional sum of ₦10 million to the Faculty of Science. These contributions were not mere donations; they were investments in the future, a tangible proof that excellence starts with belief and is sustained through action.
Following the courtesy visit, Mr. Babayeju and his team embarked on a guided tour of the Department of Physics and Faculty of Science, engaging with students and lecturers. The atmosphere was charged with optimism, and many students described the experience as both inspiring and transformational.
Why This Matters to Us at iCentra
Our mission has always been to transform people and organizations for excellent performance. Mr. Babayeju’s return to LASU is a powerful reminder that transformation begins at home, in the classrooms, communities, and causes that shaped us.
His story transcends that of a CEO; it is the story of a purpose-driven leader who understands that impact is measured not by how far we go, but by how many we bring along.
We are proud to celebrate this moment. It reflects everything iCentra stands for: innovation, transformation, and excellence.
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