Today, Friday, 8 May 2026, marks the birthday of a man whose life is a profound testament to grace and stewardship.
Professor Michael Adeloye Adebamowo, Executive Director of the University of Lagos Business School (ULBS) and a member of the UNILAG Governing Council, stands today not just as an academic luminary, but as a beacon of hope for the next generation.
From Scholar to Steward: Shaping a Worldview
Professor Adebamowo’s journey began with a brilliant display of intellectual prowess at the University of Ife (now OAU). His path was paved by merit, supported by the National Merit Award, the University of Ife Undergraduate Scholarship, and an O.A.U. Postgraduate Fellowship.
These early experiences of “unmerited favor” deeply shaped his worldview. Having navigated his own education through scholarships, he developed a conviction that responsibility is a trust. To him, personal success is hollow if it does not facilitate others’ success. This philosophy that those who have experienced grace must share it led him to declare:
“Having enjoyed scholarships that eased my education, I am marking my 60th birthday by establishing the Professor Mike Adebamowo Foundation (PMAF). I invite relatives and friends to partner with me to support less privileged and indigent students in Nigerian universities.”
This vision became the heartbeat behind the launch of the PMAF during his Diamond Jubilee in 2024.
The PMAF: Turning Vision into First-Class Reality
Launched with an initial 60 million naira the PMAF was established to ensure that no brilliant student is held back by financial constraints. By January 2026, the Foundation’s vision bore magnificent fruit at the 56th UNILAG Convocation Ceremonies. Among the initial 16 beneficiaries, five scholars achieved extraordinary heights:
1. Oduneye Ayomide, B.Sc. Microbiology, First Class
2. Mustapha Oluwadare, B.Sc. Microbiology, First Class
3. Hasanah Adeoye, B.A. Islamic Studies, First Class
4. Mustapha Damilare, B.Sc. Quantity Surveying, First Class (Best Graduating Student)
5. Motunrayo Kutu, B.Pharm, Distinction (3rd Best Graduating Student in Faculty)
A Blueprint of Achievement: Architectural & Academic Landmarks
Professor Adebamowo has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s physical and academic landscape. As a consulting architect, he has designed and supervised a diverse portfolio:
Within UNILAG:
1. Remodelling of UNILAG Main Gate,
2. Faculty of Arts, Education, and Science Buildings, UNILAG.
3. Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe Memorial Park: Designed and supervised by Dr. Adebamowo and Dr. Uduma-Olugu. While they orchestrated the park’s reality and the installation of its centerpiece, the 7-foot Sofoluwe sculpture was crafted by Mr. Akinlolu Ibrahim (Visual Arts Unit, Department of Creative Arts) in 2012 under the overall supervision of Professor Duro Oni, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services).
Outside UNILAG:
1. Golden Park Estate, Lekki
2. Martinos Event Centre
3. R & A City Hotel, Ikeja
4. The Summit Hall
5. Multi-Storey Car Park for Island Club
6. The Citadel; and
7. Redeemers Health Village
Beyond structures, his leadership is monumental. Joining UNILAG in 1995, he became a Professor in 2015, serving as Head, Department of Architecture, 2015-2017; Dean of Faculty of Environmental Sciences (2019-2021) and he is currently the Executive Director, ULBS
One of the greatest proofs of a mentor’s success is the height reached by those they guide. This is seen in his mentee, Professor Nnezi Uduma-Olugu, the first female Professor of Architecture and Landscape Architecture produced by UNILAG, and in Professor Adebamowo, affectionately referring to her as his “Idyllic, newly minted professor.”
His mentee, Professor Uduma-Olugu says:
“Happy Birthday, Professor Adebamowo. A quintessential gentleman and scholarly icon, your excellence as a mentor, leader, and pastor is unparalleled. Professor Adebamowo is truly a gift to our generation.”
Through these words, we see the embodiment of the Professor’s mission: transforming lives through the empowerment of the mind and spirit. It is a mission captured perfectly in his guiding principle for the future:
“The Foundation is our own little way of giving back to society and raising a godly generation… with great intellectual acumen that will come up with innovations.”
Happy Birthday, Prof.
Professor Abayomi Okanlawon
FAMedS, FNAMed, FASN
