Adeyemi Varsity VC Seeks Partnership with Alumni Association

Vice-Chancellor of Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) Ondo, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, has emphasised need for stronger partnership between institution's management and its alumni association, stating development would advance progress of University.

Prof. Popoola made statement while holding strategic meeting with staff of University, who are members of institution's Alumni Association on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in institution.

Emphasising important role being played by Alumni Association in institution's development, University helmsman described body as critical stakeholders whose contributions are needed for development of University.

He advised members of institution's alumni to see themselves not "only as former students, but as partners and owners, with continuing responsibility to contribute to advancement of alma mater."

In addition, Prof. Popoola said alumni engagements should extend beyond financial contributions to include advocacy, mentorship, professional support, student development and promotion of University reputation and achievements.

Vice-Chancellor also called on members of alumni association to serve as advancement ambassadors, using their professional networks and spheres of influence to promote institution and create opportunities for strategic partnerships.

"The advancement of university is collective responsibility. Our alumni have significant role to play, not only through financial support, but also through their expertise, networks, advocacy and commitment to institution," he said.

University Administrator emphasised sustained alumni participation would be particularly important as university develops new strategies to respond to emerging institutional needs.

Also speaking, Ag. Director, Advancement and Alumni Relations (AAR) AFUED, Dr. Kolawole Charles Omotayo, described gathering as important step towards mobilising alumni staff as strategic partners in institution's continued growth.

Omotayo said meeting was designed to strengthen communication, encourage collaboration, and identify opportunities through which alumni could contribute meaningfully to development of alma mater.

"The motive behind this meeting is simple but profound: to recognise, mobilise, and empower Alumni Staff Members as strategic partners in advancement and development of our Alma Mater," he said.

According to him, many members of staff were once students of institution before returning as lecturers, administrators, researchers, technologists and professionals, stating development has created unique link between university and its alumni community.

He said this shared history placed alumni staff in strategic position to understand both institution and its former students, adding they could help build relationships capable of mobilising support for university.

AFUED AAR Director likened university to "our own Jerusalem," describing it as institution that provided many alumni with their first academic opportunities, friendships, mentorship and foundations of their professional careers and stressed giving back to university should not be viewed solely in financial terms.

"When we speak of giving back to our Alma Mater, we are not speaking merely of financial donations. We are speaking of responsibility to protect its reputation, strengthen its institutions, support its students, encourage its development, and ensure future generations can benefit from opportunities that shaped our own lives," he stated.

He urged alumni staff to regard university's progress as shared responsibility, noting its achievements enhance value of legacy inherited by successive generations, while its challenges require collective attention and contributions.

Eminent personalities who graced occasion included Deputy Vice-Chancellor, AFUED, Prof. Ireti Alao; Registrar, Mrs. Olufisayo Fakorede; Bursar, Mrs. Tawio Adedoyin, as well as Professors, Associate Professors, Deans, Directors and senior academic staff of University.