The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration at the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA,
has noted that alumni associations all over the world exist to fundraise for their universities to help the universities to stand, preserve their traditions and continue to perform their roles in the society.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor spoke on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, while welcoming a worthy UI@75 Ambassador and Deputy Managing Director (North), Access Bank Plc, Mr. Victor Etuokwu, MON, to the University during a courtesy call on the VC.
Ambassador Victor Etuokwu was in UI to deliver the 2023 Annual Alumni Lecture of the Oyo State Branch entitled “Tertiary Institutions as Catalyst for Transformational Leadership”.
Professor Olapegba noted that in the western world, alumni associations are called owners of their universities because of their commitment to their Alma mater.
He, therefore, urged the University of Ibadan alumni to be committed to the development of their Alma mater and thus, become owners of the University.
He said “when you give back to your University you can always come back to say we own the University of Ibadan.”
Prof. Olapegba, stated that Mr. Victor Etuokwu was a worthy Ambassador of the University of Ibadan because he has proved to be one of the leaders of the national economy that UI has produced.
He noted that the Etuokwu family has a rich history with the University of Ibadan as Victor’s father also graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1962, having studied Classics and English while Mr. Victor Etuokwu graduated from the Department of Human Nutrition of the University.
The UI@75 Ambassador and Deputy Managing Director (North), Access Bank Plc, Mr. Victor Etuokwu, said it was a pleasure coming back to his Alma mater and that his home-coming gave him a sense of belonging and excitement to contribute to the development of his Alma mater, and showcase the excellence in UI.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Branch of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Mr. Tunde Olayiwola said it was heartwarming to welcome Mr. Victor Etuokwu, MON, back to his Alma mater, having seen his contributions to the development of Nigeria.
He said the University of Ibadan is known for building future leaders, and that was the reason for bringing Mr. Etuokwu back to the University of Ibadan to showcase a great product of UI.
The UI@75 Ambassador, Victor Etuokwu was accompanied on the courtesy visit by his spouse, Mrs. Odunola Etuokwu; sister, Mrs. Victoria Baiyeri; members of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Oyo State Branch; and members of staff of Access Bank Plc.
