Aig-Imoukhuede Expresses Fond Memories of UI, Pledges Support for University Projects

The Chairman of Coronation Group Ltd and Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, has expressed deep affection for the University of Ibadan (UI), stating that he has “fond memories” of the institution despite not being an alumnus.

Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede made the remark in Lagos during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the University led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp. He noted that he felt greatly honoured to be considered for an honorary degree from the University at its 77th Foundation Day ceremony.

Reflecting on his early connection to the institution, he recounted being born at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, and visiting the University at about nine years old with his mother. He also fondly remembered spending holidays at the staff quarters with his father’s close friend, the late Professor Babatunde Olusiji Osunkoya, describing the campus then as a serene and beautiful environment that embodied the true essence of a university.

“Even though I have travelled widely and visited many universities, my memories of UI have always defined for me what a university should represent,” he remarked.

Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede pledged to partner with the University on sustainable and impactful projects, adding that his primary interests lie in public sector governance and leadership development. He explained that through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and its African Initiative for Governance (AIG), efforts are ongoing to enhance public sector effectiveness across Africa.

According to him, the Foundation aims to train 3,000 high-performing African civil servants over five years at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, under a three-month programme currently in its fifth cohort.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, noted humorously that the University of Ibadan was “in the DNA” of Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede. He explained that the honouree’s father, Mr. Frank Aig-Imoukhuede, earned a B.A. in English from UI in 1961 and was a member of the University’s Cricket Team, while his late mother, Pastor Emily Aig-Imoukhuede, graduated in History in 1964.

Professor Adebowale described both parents as “vibrant alumni who made meaningful impacts on their peers” and stated that the honorary degree of Doctor of Science was being conferred on Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede in recognition of his outstanding contributions to banking, capital markets, insurance, technology, energy, and real estate.

He further highlighted the University’s legacy since its founding in 1948, reiterating its ambition to evolve into a postgraduate research-intensive institution dedicated to producing a critical mass of researchers for national development.

The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter O. Olapegba, C.Psych., FNPA, fspsp; the Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu, fspsp, FCIML, FNIM; and the Deputy Registrar, Directorate of Public Communication, Mrs. Adejoke O. Akinpelu.