About Us
Irawo University Centre was established in 1969, it has a private hall of residence for male students, affiliated with the University of Ibadan. It is the first University centre started by ECS. Plans for the current permanent site started in 1983, construction in 1988 and was completed in March 1990. The centre aims at complementing the formal academic training which the students receive at the university. This is done by fostering the academic, professional, cultural, human and spiritual development of the students. Irawo provides the warmth of a family atmosphere which is conducive for serious academic work and the formation of character. The centre is directed towards creating an environment conducive to the attainment of excellence not only in learning but also in character among our youths. It is primarily an investment in people.
Activities of a spiritual nature are entrusted to the Prelature of Opus Dei, an institution of the Catholic Church. Irawo is open to individuals of all races, nationalities and creeds.
Mission Statement
Investing in professional and character development of persons for a better society. Investing in people and the future… These two versions represent the same aspirations held fervently in Irawo, that the dignity we have as persons can lead to rippling effects within us and society at large. A desire to solve societal ills has to be inculcated in everyone.
Irawo helps University students acquire the habits of a good professional. It teaches them to seek excellence in their work, to use their professional expertise in the service of others, and to see their work in the larger context of a flourishing life.
Irawo’s programs are inspired by a Christian spirit which views the world as good, sees work as fulfillment of man’s nature, and emphasizes service towards one’s neighbor. The Christian orientation of Irawo’s programs is entrusted to Opus Dei, a Prelature of the Catholic Church.
The Vision of Irawo remains to turn out young men who with their competence and approach to work, will be stars in their respective fields in society, outstanding in their careers, with an upright approach to life, men who will thus be constant sources of understanding and service in their environment.
Values driving our Investing in persons:
- Human dignity & Integral Education
- Leadership as service
- Academic/Professional excellence
- Attention to details
- Family Oriented
Marks of a true professional…
- Excellence in Work and Life
- Integrity and Service
- Attention to details
- Attention to details
- Family
Opus Dei
Irawo is Inspired by the teachings of St. Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei. It was he who asked Jeremy White to come to Nigeria, an Englishman who had a commonwealth scholarship to do postgraduate studies at the University of Ibadan.
Opus Dei taught Dr. White that through ordinary work well done (in his case - to study), and for love of God, he could become holy, at the same time trying to improve society. Irawo was the fruit of a shared concern to make this same ideal take root in thousands of Nigerian students,
By providing a homely environment of serious study, friendship and concern for others, students are helped to aspire to the top of their professions, while acquiring all other virtues necessary to actualize this universal call to holiness in the midst of ordinary life.
Irawo has a Chapel and a priest of Opus Dei to attend to the spiritual needs of students who freely desire it. Its facilities are open to everybody, irrespective of creed or race, Christians and non-Christians alike.
History [E.C.S]
In 1969, Jeremy White, then a lecturer in the University of Ibadan, with a group of friends. Started Irawo University Centre. The permanent site opened its doors to its first residents in 1990, it was made possible by the generous donations of several collaborators.
The Educational Co-operation Society (ECS) is a non-profit and non-governmental organization incorporated in Nigeria under the Companies Decree in 1974, as a charitable trust limited by guarantee, RC 13503. By way of vision, ECS envisages a Nigeria where all persons have access to education of good quality, and personal development, irrespective of their social, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. The broad aim and mission of the Society is to promote projects throughout the Federation, which further education, social welfare and development of character in accordance with Christian principles.
Timeline
- Jeremy White arrives Nigeria
- Prof. Alos arrives Nigeria
- Jeremy White, Prof. Alos and other friends begin Irawo University Centre
- Plans for a permanent site begins
- Permanent site of Irawo welcomes her first residents
- Bishop Prelate of Opus Dei, Don Alvaro visits Irawo
- First Annual lecture holds
- First official visit of the Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan
- 50th year anniversary of Irawo existence celebrated
- 25th year anniversary of Irawo permanent site opens
- Launch of Irawo Endowment Fund by her Alumni & friends association
Board Members
The board members are outstanding professionals in society who give valuable insights into the advancement of the aims of Irawo. The board members consist of twelve members renewed every five years, with a limit of two terms.
They include:
- Prof. Charles Uwakwe (Chairman) Former Senior director of NECO
- Prof. Steve Afolami Former Vice Chancellor (FUNAAB; St. Augustine University)
- Prof. Cadmus Idowu Lecturer in University of Ibadan
- Prof. John Anetor Lecturer in University of Ibadan
- Engr. Wole Labiran CEO of Segun Labiran and associates
- Dr. Egbunike Nwachukwu Lecturer in Pan Atlantic University (PAU)
Executive Mangement
Dr. Ibukun Afolami
Mr. John Onyejegbu
Mr. Jefferson Amah
Fr. Pedro Okafor