The leader of the University of Ibadan 1989 Alumni set of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (1989 EEE-UI ALUMNI), Engr Tunrayo Alabi has advised that creating a supportive alumni network is crucial to an institution’s success.
Engr. Tunrayo Alabi gave this advice during the official handing over of the 5KVA solar power backup system donated to the Department on Thursday, 10 November, 2022 by the 1989 EEE-UI ALUMNI.
Engr. Alabi noted that tertiary education can no longer be funded solely by the government so it is necessary for institutions to engage donors like private organisations, Foundations and Alumni Associations to give support adding that this can only be achieved when there is communication between an institution and its alumni.
He appreciated the uniqueness of technology which made it possible for the ’89 alumni set to reconnect and called on other alumni and students to leverage the social media to keep track of the progress of their coursemates and the University, so as to contribute to the development of their Alma Mater.
Engr. Alabi charged the University with the responsibility of fostering good University-Alumni relationship that can birth numerable benefits for the University and its alumni.
He stated “We hereby recommend that the University should not relent in its efforts towards maintaining effective and efficient University-Alumni relationships for partnership in overall University development goals.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, FAS, mni, was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Aderonke M. Baiyeroju at the ceremony. She appreciated the ’89 set of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering for the donation.
Professor Baiyeroju stated that the University has set up an Alumni Relations Office in order to promote cordiality between the University of Ibadan and its Alumni.
She noted that the present administration will not relent in its effort to keep track of its alumni as it is now apparent that the Nigerian government alone cannot fund tertiary education but needs the support of private institutions and the alumni.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Head, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Dr. O. O. Olakanmi, had stated that the contributions of the Alumni to the development of their Alma Mater will always be graciously appreciated.
He said the Department looks forward to receiving more support and charged donors to see the Department as their second home and continue to maintain a good relationship with their Alma Mater.
The ’89 alumni set were all twenty-eight males that graduated 33 years ago. Their donation was a 5KVA solar power backup system to the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
The ’89 EEE-UI set was represented by Engr. Tunrayo Alabi, Engr. Olalekan Sanusi, Engr. Marcus Olaniyan and Engr. Bayo Oluwafemi, for the donation.
