“Alumni Intervention Helps Keep Public Universities Alive,” says UI DVC

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, fspsp, CPsych, FSSAN, has said that alumni intervention is a way of keeping public universities such as the University of Ibadan alive. 

He made this statement on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, at a ceremony held to receive items donated to the Department of Communication and Language Arts by its class of 2000.

‎Given the dwindling funding of public universities, Professor Olapegba stressed that universities needed to do things differently in order to sustain academic excellence.

He said it was gratifying to see alumni groups rising up to support their alma-mater. 

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that alumni engagement is a veritable way of keeping the university running and disclosed that UI management established the Office of Alumni Relations to coordinate alumni engagement.

He explained that the office has made significant progress in compiling the data of alumni of the University of Ibadan from inception till date and has been establishing meaningful contact with them.

The DVC appreciated the class of 2000 of the Department of Communication and Language Arts for giving back to the department that trained them, saying that the UI alumni have been remarkably involved in sharing the burden of sustaining the university. 

Professor Olapegba, however, stated that the relationship is not parasitic, explaining that the university has been of immense assistance in supporting its alumni in their engagement with the institution and also offer opportunities to young graduates on career development and employment.

The Dean of Arts, Professor Rasheed Olaniyi, fspsp, disclosed that the faculty has been generally benefiting from the goodwill and benefaction of its alumni, stating that this has been symbolic and appreciated the donors for their thoughtful gesture to the department.

The acting Head of Department, Dr Bisi Olawuyi said the donation was timely and appreciated the Class of 2000 for giving back to the department.

He highlighted that the class renovated the department's toilets and procured two Bluetooth speakers and six wall fans to be installed in the Departmental Postgraduate Lecture Room.

Dr Olawuyi stated that the donations reflect the commitment of the alumni to the growth of the department. 

Mr Soji Ogunniyi, who spoke on behalf of the six-man team that represented the class at the ceremony said that the gesture was one of the initiatives to commemorate the 50 years anniversary of the Department and their 25th year of graduation. 

He reassured that the donation was just the beginning of their profound support to the department that groomed and helped shape their lives and appreciated the lecturers and staff of the faculty for their sacrifices in raising leaders for national development.

The items were presented to Professor Olapegba who received them on behalf of the department. Thereafter, he commissioned the renovated toilets for use.