The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has formally handed over a newly completed building complex to the Faculty of Law.
The project was executed under the Needs Assessment Intervention of the Federal Ministry of Education, one of the funding mechanisms for university infrastructure.
Professor Adebowale said Needs Assessment projects were subject to strict regulations from the Ministry of Education and certain modifications require the approval of the Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC).
He noted that significant fluctuations in construction costs affected the project, necessitating its rescoping to ensure that the available funds were used for the most essential components.
He explained that the University had to seek the approval of the IMC before the project could be rescoped, adding that the approval made it possible for the University to continue with the project and bring it to completion.
The Vice-Chancellor described the building as a historic edifice, restating that some challenges were encountered from the conception of the project and the University had learnt important lessons from the experience.
He expressed confidence that such lessons would help prevent similar delays in the execution of future University projects.
Professor Adebowale commended Professor Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose, SAN, the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and a former Dean of Law for consistently advocating the completion of the complex.
He also appreciated the contractors for their commitment and sacrifices towards the completion of the building and assured the faculty that the University would provide adequate security and additional facilities to make the building fully habitable and functional.
The Dean, Faculty of Law, Professor Adekunle Aina, expressed joy and gratitude over the formal handover of the facility, describing the occasion as an opportunity for the faculty to strengthen legal education, deepen research and improve its engagement with the legal profession and wider society.
Professor Aina recalled the proud history of the faculty and its contributions to Nigeria through the training of lawyers, academics, judges, policymakers, administrators and leaders in different sectors.
He said the responsibility of the faculty was not only to preserve its legacy but also to build on it to reach greater heights.
The Dean appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their commitment to the project and acknowledged the contributions of deans who had worked tirelessly towards its completion.
He assured the University Management that the facility would be put to the best use and carefully maintained for the benefit of present and future generations, saying that the new building represented a new chapter for the faculty.
According to him, the facility would provide an improved environment for teaching, learning, research, intellectual discourse, innovation and professional engagement.
He, therefore, called on members of the Faculty to regard the building as a collective responsibility and an opportunity to create a more vibrant academic environment.
The Director of Physical Planning and Project Management, Professor B. I. O. Dahunsi, described the project as one that had gone through several challenges and changes before reaching completion.
He urged members of the faculty to take responsibility for its proper maintenance, emphasizing the need for them to ensure that it remained in good condition for future generations.
The Director also encouraged the faculty to identify and report any snag observed in the facility for possible correction.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Professor Omolade Olomola on behalf of Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose, SAN, and the immediate past Dean of the Faculty, Professor John Oluwole A. Akintayo.
