Makanjuola Awarded UK Varsity Alumni Award

Sunday Ehigiator

On Thursday night, Mr. Remi Makanjuola, chairman of Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by his alma mater, the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom.

A letter from the Alumni Relations Officer, Victoria Kirk, to Makanjuola read: “We received some fantastic nominations across our award categories, with nominations for this specific award category made by colleagues at the university and reviewed and judged by the Advancement Awards Sub‑Committee.”

During the ceremony in Leicester, Makanjuola thanked his parents, teachers, mentors and others who had helped shape his life and career.

“I feel humbled because this kind of achievement goes beyond what one person has done,” Makanjuola said. “My hope is that every student walking these halls today will one day stand where I stand and feel the same gratitude.”

Before the award was presented, a citation of Makanjuola was read to the audience: “Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola, OON, is an accomplished Nigerian businessman, philanthropist, and University of Leicester alumnus whose life’s work has shaped entire sectors – from finance and aviation to education and national development.”

“Born in Lagos, he graduated from the University of Leicester with a BA in Economics in 1976 before completing an MSc in Management Science at the University of Manchester. His academic journey in the UK laid the foundation for an extraordinary career defined by leadership, generosity, and nation‑building.”

“With more than two decades in banking and finance, Mr. Makanjuola held senior roles including Executive Vice‑Chairman of Devcom Merchant Bank and Chairman of International Commercial Bank Senegal S.A. His entrepreneurial vision led him to found the Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, which has become one of West Africa’s most important providers of marine and aviation logistics. He also contributed to public security as Chair of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, helping to strengthen the safety infrastructure of Nigeria’s largest state.”

“A defining element of Mr. Makanjuola’s legacy is his transformative impact on education and opportunity creation. He has donated multiple 500‑seater lecture theatres to universities across Nigeria, dramatically improving access to quality learning environments. His philanthropy extends to scientific advancement through the establishment of state‑of‑the‑art Molecular Biology Diagnostic Laboratories at Lagos State University College of Medicine and Edo State University, Uzairue.”

“Appointed Chancellor of Edo State University in 2019, he continues to uplift academic excellence. In a powerful example of his commitment to uplifting young people, he offered automatic employment to the university’s overall best‑graduating student, directly supporting the transition of top talent into meaningful careers. His approach reflects a lifelong belief that education should open doors – not only to knowledge, but to opportunity.”

“In recognition of his service, he received the national honour Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2022 and an Honorary Doctorate from Summit University in 2025. He has also given back to his alma mater, supporting the University of Leicester’s Student Support Fund.”

“Widely regarded as a ‘silent achiever,’ Mr. Makanjuola’s influence is felt through the institutions he has strengthened, and the countless lives uplifted by his generosity. His legacy is one of leadership, humility, and lasting impact – making him an exceptional and deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.”