Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, marked a historic milestone with the dedication of its newly built Chapel of Mary Mother of the Church on Monday, 16th December, 2024. 

The solemn and joyous ceremony brought together Catholic faithfuls from the Catholic Archdioceses of Lagos, Abuja, and Ijebu-Ode Diocese, AUI Board of Trustees, Governing Council, Staff and Students, friends of the University, and well-wishers, with the donor, Sir Walter and Dame Winifred Akpani, and their family also in attendance.

The dedication was presided over by the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos and Proprietor of Augustine University, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, who delivered a profound homily. He was supported by the Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, His Grace Most. Rev. Dr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama and the Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Francis Obafemi Adesina.

With over one hundred Priests joining in the celebration of the Holy Mass, the event was a remarkable display of faith, embodying the core values of the University’s mission.

The event featured the sacred anointing of the altar and walls of the church, as well as the decoration and incensation of the altar and the entire chapel, symbolizing the consecration of the space as a place of worship and reflection.

A significant highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of Rev. Fr. Andrew Toye as the new Chaplain of the Chapel. He will take over from Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Ogundele, who acted in that capacity and served the University community with dedication since the inception of the University.

In her remarks, Dame Winifred Akpani, accompanied by her husband, Sir Walter Akpani, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the spiritual growth of the Augustine University community. Their generosity extends beyond the Chapel to include the Priest House and generators to ensure uninterrupted power supply to both facilities.

The foundation of the Chapel was laid in 2019, and its design reflects exceptional artistry. Created by Teresa Mallamaci, an acclaimed Italian architect whose studio is based in Rome—the eternal city—the Chapel is a harmonious blend of Christological and Mariological motifs. This inspired architectural masterpiece seamlessly unites aesthetic elegance with spiritual symbolism.

The Chapel of Mary Mother of the Church, which can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers, features two distinct side Chapels. One is dedicated to Eucharistic Adoration, offering a sacred space for prayer and meditation, while the other serves for celebration of weekday Masses, especially when smaller congregations are anticipated.

The dedication highlights Augustine University’s commitment to holistic education, cultivating the intellectual, physical, and spiritual well-being of its students and staff. 

The event concluded with a reception where guests, staff, and well-wishers dined and celebrated the momentous occasion, marking it as a day of joy, gratitude, and community spirit.

Present at the event included the Visioner of Augustine University and Archbishop Emeritus of Lagos, His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Okogie, the Mother of the Chancellor, Dame Doja Otedola, the Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Francis Obafemi Adesina, the Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, His Grace Most. Rev. Dr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, representatives of Alara of Ilara Kingdom, HRM Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, among others.