-
Launches his own university called Monarch University.
The quiet town of Iyesi-Ota, Ogun state, came alive on December 13, 2025, when the presiding Bishop and General Overseer of Christ Royal Family International Church, Bishop Tom Samson, celebrated his 60th birthday with a lot of fanfare and Thanksgiving to the Almighty. It was indeed a remarkable day for the revered man of God as he attracted some of the most distinguished Nigerians from far and wide to celebrate the special moment with him. What also made the occasion even more memorable is the launching of Bishop Tom Samson’s much anticipated Citadel of learning, the Monarch University. Bishop Tom Samson chose to launch the university and declare it officially open for operations on the day of his 60th birthday, making it a double celebration event.
For those who may not know, Monarch University is a world class university that can compete with the very best in the land. It boasts of an absolutely enabling environment suitable for learning and it parades some of the most experienced and accomplished lecturers you can find anywhere in the country. This brand new citadel of learning called Monarch University is unique in many ways and the value it offers students can only best be experienced than described. Admission is now open to the public and from information available to City People, there has been a big rush for admission to the school. And that’s not a surprise in itself. Those who know Bishop Tom Samson closely know he is a stickler for quality and standard. He does not do things in half measure, he is a firm adherent to the saying that, ‘whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well.’ Monarch is simply magnificent both in terms of personel and ambience. This is the reason why many parents are now taking their kids to Monarch University, confident that the man of God will not compromise on quality, he will certainly bring in trained, qualified and competent personel to the institution to nurture the students and transformj them into men and women of substance. And from the brilliance of the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Monarch University, Prof. Olaleke Ogunnaike, and other top Executives of the institution, there is no doubt that Bishop (Dr.) Tom Samson assembled the best hands to run the university.
The celebration started with an enriching church service. Praise and worship sessions and prayers were offered to set the right tone for the start of the land mark occasion. Next was the reception. That was the moment the real fun began as guests started trooping into the auditorium in droves to honour a man of God that has not only paid his dues in the church of God, but also one who has earned the respect of so many people on account of his outstanding qualities and accomplishments. Notable personalities who graced the occasion were the Deputy Governor of Ogun state, Noimot Salako- Oyedele FNSE, who represented the governor Dapo Abiodun, KICC International founder, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, Mike Igbokwe SAN, and several other captains of industry. The occasion also attracted dozens of royal fathers who came to celebrate with the celebrant and his family. Some of the royal fathers who graced the event were HRM Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, CFR, BL, LLMFCA, FBR, Torungbuwa II, Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remo landHis Majesty, Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, PHD, the ancient and paramount ruler of Ota land, Awori kingdom, Oba Dr, Adedapo Adewale Tejuosho CON, FWACP, M.A., MB, CN, the Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Samuel Oulfemi Ojugbele, (JP), LLB, HON and several others too numerous to mention.
One of the highlights of the momentous occasion was when the clebrant himself stepped on the podium to call on stage the founder of KICC International, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, to share the word of God with the gathering. A lot of people didn’t know he was around and visibly present in the auditorium, so they were extremely excited and promptly rose to their feet when the man of God emerged from behind the stage and stepped on the podium sporting a glittering black suit that looked great on him.
Eloquent as ever, Pastor Ashimolow enchanted the gathering with his depth of knowledge and understanding of the bible and the realities of the time. He held the room spell bound while he spoke and got a thunderous round of applause by the time he was done.
The Akarigbo of Remo, while speaking to journalists, expressed his excitement for Monarch University and admiration for the founder, Bishop Tom Samson: “Let me put it this way, one, education is a very important thing. And having said that, we are talking about Monarch University, established by a man of God that I have watched closely and followed his trajectory keenly. I can tell you that everything this man has laid his hands on has turned to gold, so I can assure you that this is the beginning of a great history in the making. I am so proud of the Bishop and proud what he has achieved. I am actually one of the members of the board of trustee. We can ony continue to pray that this university will be known for excellence and hope it transforms into a university that all Nigerians will be very proud of. I am very proud of the Bishop anyway and I wish him the best.”
Wife of the celebrant, Apostle, Mary Lanre Samson, also expressed her unbridled joy at the occasion. “I am so happy, so elated that I have witnessed this day. I see God in his glory. I would’ve died several years ago, and they were the ones that saved my life back then in the middle of the night by 2 am when there was an armed robbery attack. But they saved me and took me to the hospital and I was operated on and I’m alive today. For me to see today, I give glory to God.”
“Though we started small, but God has lifted us. God is a faithful God. I give God all the glory. And look at our new baby, Monarch University coming ito existence. And my husband has always said, on his 60th birthday, let Monarch University come into existence, and today, it has come to reality. They are the ones that sang for him this morning, I thank God. It’s a remarkable day. And I pray that everyone looking unto God for every good dream, God will make it come to pass in Jesus mighty name.“
When asked to describe the kind of person her husband is, the obviously elated wife of the Bishop said, “My husband is a goal getter, he’s a great achiever. When he wants to do something, he will not let anything deter him from achieving his goal. He doesn’t fail at anything, he has passion, great passion, and that’s why we are celebrating this success today.”
