Alumni Play An Important Role In Institutional Development, Says Professor Adebowale

The 13th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has emphasised the important role of the alumni in the development of institutions.

He made this statement at the commissioning of the refurbished staff room at the University of Ibadan Staff School by the Class of 1977 while commending them for giving back to their alma mater.

Professor Adebowale highlighted the financial challenges facing federal universities and stressed the need for alumni contributions to complement government funding.

He disclosed that the University established the Office of Alumni Relations to primarily develop a database of UI alumni to strengthen relationships and encourage them to give back to their alma mater.

The 13th Vice-Chancellor described teaching as a noble profession and commended academic and non-academic staff of the Staff School for their contributions to education, while reiterating that the intervention by the 1977 set was timely.

The President of the University of Ibadan Staff School Alumni Association, Professor Adewale Oladapo Dipeolu commended the 1977 set for the initiative and urged other alumni groups to emulate the gesture.

Professor Dipeolu, who graduated in 1967, expressed delight at the project and disclosed that efforts were being made to encourage more alumni contributions.

The coordinator of the 1977 set, Professor Christopher O. Aimakhu, explained that the project followed a visit to the school when members observed the condition of some of its facilities.

According to him, this prompted discussions on how they could contribute to improving the facilities, describing the renovation as an important step towards supporting teachers and assured the school community of the commitment of the 1977 set to more interventions.

The Chairman of the Governing Board of the School and Director of the UI Institute of Education, Professor Monica N. Odinko, commended the 1977 set for providing teachers with a comfortable space, saying that the intervention demonstrated the importance of alumni commitment and collective responsibility.

Professor Odinko expressed appreciation to the alumni on behalf of the Board and the school community, describing the project as a valuable contribution to the development of the institution.

The Headmistress of the University of Ibadan Staff School, Mrs Hawau F. Adekanye, described the project as a demonstration of generosity and commitment to the school's growth.

She acknowledged previous interventions by other alumni sets and individuals and further appealed to alumni, parents, philanthropic organisations and corporate bodies to support the school's outstanding needs.

Mrs Adekanye emphasised that investments in classrooms, books, laboratories and teaching resources were essential to improving the learning experiences of the pupils.

The First Lady of Ogun State, Her Excellency, Dr Bamidele Abiodun, a member of the 1977 set said that the gesture was an expression of gratitude to the school for nurturing them.

She said that the school moulded her and instilled values that have continued to guide her in life, mentioning that success should be measured by the positive impact individuals make on the institutions and communities that shaped them.

Dr Abiodun encouraged the school to take responsibility for maintaining the refurbished facility and urged other alumni sets to support their former school, regardless of the size of their contributions.

She also commended the teachers for their dedication and roles played in shaping future generations.

The ceremony culminated in the commissioning of the refurbished staff room by the 13th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, followed by an inspection of the facility with other dignitaries.