Mountain Top University (MTU) has commissioned the Elizabeth Olukoya Centre for Fine and Applied Arts, a landmark three-storey facility established in honour of Dr Folashade Olukoya, wife of the University's Founder and Chancellor, Dr D. K. Olukoya. The commissioning ceremony, held on Monday, 10 August 2026, marked the completion of a four-year development project. It represents another significant milestone in the University's continuous investment in academic infrastructure. The imposing edifice, designed to provide a conducive environment for teaching, learning, research and artistic expression, is expected to serve as a hub for creativity, innovation and talent development within the University and beyond. The event attracted dignitaries from the academic, religious and creative sectors, including prominent pastors and their wives from the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), as well as academics, professional artists and representatives of leading institutions and organisations in Nigeria's creative industry.
The three-storey building comprises seven offices, three large lecture halls, seven studios and an office for the Head of Department. It also houses two art exhibition galleries, a painting studio, Textile and Fashion Design Studio, Visual Communication Design Studio, Art History classroom, printing room, common room and drawing room, among other essential facilities. Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elijah Ayolabi, recalled the history of the project and acknowledged the contributions of individuals and organisations whose commitment made its completion possible. Professor Ayolabi disclosed that the foundation of the building was laid on 19 August 2022 by Dr Folashade Olukoya.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the project was conceived and sponsored by overseers at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries as part of the University's broader commitment to academic development and was undertaken in commemoration of the honorary award conferred on Dr Folashade Olukoya. He expressed gratitude to God for His provision throughout the development of the project and for sustaining the various stakeholders involved in its execution. The Vice-Chancellor stressed that the importance of the building goes beyond its physical appearance, describing it as a manifestation of the University's commitment to developing the intellectual, creative and practical capacities of its students.
“The significance of this project goes beyond the physical structure. It represents the commitment of Mountain Top University to the holistic development of human minds. It is a centre of innovation, where talent will be discovered, and generations of students will be empowered,” Professor Ayolabi stated. He noted that the facility would provide students with the opportunity to discover and develop their talents while acquiring the knowledge and practical competencies required to compete in an increasingly creative and knowledge-driven global economy. Concluding his address, Professor Ayolabi emphasised the importance of dedication and sacrifice in the achievement of meaningful goals. He stated that the completion of the project demonstrated what could be achieved when vision, commitment and sacrifice were brought together, adding that “when sacrifice and commitment merge together, greatness is inevitable.”
Speaking at the unveiling of the project, Dr Folashade Olukoya reflected on her personal journey with the arts and the role creativity has played in her life. She leveraged the occasion to emphasise the importance of humility, service and the responsible development of God-given talents. She revealed that her passion for art began during her childhood, at a time when she had little understanding of the significance of the creative ability she possessed. According to her, her artistic talent was a gift from God, while her ability to think deeply and engage her imagination had contributed significantly to the development of her creative expression. She explained that art should not be viewed merely from the perspective of physical objects or aesthetic beauty, stressing that it has the capacity to communicate deeper meanings and provide new ways of understanding life and the world. “Arts are deeper than the physical things that people see,” she explained, noting that art provides a means of appreciating and understanding God's creation.
She further stated that arts encourage individuals to look beyond the surface of things, think critically and engage with ideas from different perspectives. For her, the creative process is not simply about producing beautiful objects but also about interpreting experiences, communicating ideas and discovering deeper meanings in the world. She also used the occasion to challenge the audience, particularly young people, to remain committed to their dreams and visions even when such aspirations are not immediately understood by those around them. She urged individuals not to abandon their visions simply because others could not see or appreciate the possibilities embedded in them.
According to her, the journey towards destiny often contains elements that may not be immediately understood at the beginning. She described the mystery of destiny as being embedded in the unfolding journey and the vision God gives to each individual, stressing that people must remain patient and committed to the development of their God-given abilities. She expressed optimism that the facility would produce generations of students whose knowledge, creativity and expertise would have a positive impact on society. She stated that God would raise individuals whose voices and contributions would influence and transform nations through the knowledge and skills they acquire within the building. She further noted that the vision of Mountain Top University extends beyond conventional academic instruction, emphasising that the institution is designed to help students discover their purpose, develop their abilities and ultimately fulfil their destinies.