The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, fspsp has extolled His Royal Highness, Professor A. T. Hassan, Obaruwa I, the Elesugbon of Esugbon, Ogun State, for giving back to the University of Ibadan.
He emphasized the importance of alumni and stakeholders giving back to the university, saying that such acts of support significantly reduce the institution’s financial and infrastructural burden.
Professor Olapegba gave this commendation during the commissioning of the Environmental Biology Laboratory in the Department of Zoology, facilitated by HRH Professor Hassan, an alumnus and retired Professor of the Department.
He noted that the University continually seeks benefactors who can contribute to its growth and sustainability, as government alone can not fully meet the financial demands of public tertiary institutions.
According to the DVC, the gesture will not only enhance the quality of teaching and research in the department but also strengthen the University’s capacity, especially during accreditation exercises when facilities and resources are critically evaluated.
He stated that Kabiyesi had etched his name, that of his family and his kingdom in gold, expressing the university’s profound gratitude for the project.
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The immediate past Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, FAS disclosed at the occasion that the donor had served as Head of the Department of Zoology and the Dean of Science during his years of meritorious service to the university, and that he spent most of his life in the university from studentship to lecturing and to retirement.
Professor Olayinka disclosed that Professor Hassan’s selfless service to the university in the Department of Zoology helped improve the rating of the Department, stressing that “when we build the department, we invariably build the university.”
The Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu expressed deep appreciation to the donor, HRH Professor Hassan, for his generosity and commitment to the development of his alma mater.
A member of the Governing Council of the University and Head of the Department of Zoology, Professor Aina Adeogun, in her welcome address, had noted that giving back to the Department had long been a cherished dream of the donor, which she was glad was fulfilled.
She explained that Kabiyesi Professor A. T. Hassan had always expressed his desire to contribute meaningfully to the growth and advancement of the Department, which had played a pivotal role in shaping his academic and professional journey.
The donor, HRH Professor A. T. Hassan, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the University of Ibadan for laying the solid academic foundation that shaped his academic and professional career, acknowledging the invaluable role the institution played in nurturing his passion for knowledge and research, which contributed significantly to his professional success.
The commissioning of the laboratory, named after the donor, was performed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, fspsp on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor.
