The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, has reiterated that the alumni body of the College of Medicine is committed to improving the standard of living of both students and staff in the past years.
The Vice-Chancellor made this assertion at a brief ceremony where he commissioned a solar-powered inverter donated by the MBBS/BDS 1986 set to the Students Affairs Division of the University. The cost of the facility is One Million Naira (N1,000,000:00) only.
According to the VC, “The first thing is to thank this alumni set. It has been very exceptional in its support. The main reason is that the University is so big, so complex that any little support that you can give will go a long way.”
“If each department starts getting support, in addition to the little that the University can give, I think it will go a long way towards the business of the University: teaching, learning and community service. So, we cannot thank this alumni set enough. Various sets have also been coming. Even in the Faculty of Education, there was a time I got there and saw what was done. I was very happy.”
“Because the University is old, there would always be issues when the support coming from the government is dwindling. Government alone cannot fund the University adequately. So, we are free to solicit for your support.”
“Those who are well placed can also give their time to the current generation of students by organising seminars for them. We thank you most sincerely. And like Oliver Twist, we will always ask for more. I prayed that God Almighty will continue to bless each and every one of you.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean, Students Affairs, Prof. ‘Keye Abiona expressed his appreciation to the set for its unflinching support to the progress of the University, especially the renovation of the Alexander Brown Hall for students at the College of Medicine.
The Dean also acknowledged the assistance of the past Provosts, the immediate past Provost and the entire College of Medicine for the donation of the sum of Two Million naira only (N2,000,000:00) to indigent students.
As Oliver Twist, Prof. Abiona requested for more assistance to the students.
He said: “there is the need to harvest the alumni resources of UI, even from the halls of residence so that they can give back to their alma mater. I thank you for what you have done and we are expecting others to key in to support students.”
The representatives of the MBBS/BDS 1986 set at the ceremony included the 11th Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa; Former Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Prof. Olubayo Fashola; Dr. Titilade Akingbola and Dr. Jemima Ehimiyein.
Present at the occasion were the Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun; Immediate Past Deputy Provost, Prof. Obafunke Denloye; Deputy Dean, Students Affairs, Dr. Ademola Lewis; Deputy Registrar, Students Affairs, Mr. Tijani Musa; Deputy Registrar, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Oluwole Dada and the Director, Directorate of Public Communication, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo ably represented by Mr. ‘Kunle Oladipo.
