Alumni Support Critical to Survival of Public Universities, UI DVC Says
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of University of Ibadan, Peter O. Olapegba, has identified alumni intervention as a key driver sustaining Nigeria’s public universities amid declining funding.
Philip22
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of University of Ibadan, Peter O. Olapegba, has identified alumni intervention as a key driver sustaining Nigeria’s public universities amid declining funding.
Olapegba made the assertion on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Kayode O. Adebowale, during a ceremony to receive donations from the Class of 2000 of the Department of Communication and Language Arts.
He noted that shrinking government funding has forced universities to rethink operational models, stressing that alumni engagement has become a strategic lifeline for maintaining academic standards and infrastructure. According to him, the university has institutionalised this approach through the establishment of an Alumni Relations Office tasked with building a comprehensive database and strengthening engagement with graduates.
He commended the Class of 2000 for its contribution, describing alumni as active partners in sustaining the institution rather than passive beneficiaries. He added that the relationship remains mutually beneficial, with the university continuing to support alumni through career development opportunities and professional engagement.
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Rasheed Olaniyi, said the faculty has consistently benefited from alumni goodwill, while the Acting Head of Department, Bisi Olawuyi, described the donation as timely and impactful.
The alumni group renovated the department’s toilet facilities and provided instructional support equipment, including Bluetooth speakers and wall fans for the postgraduate lecture room.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Soji Ogunniyi said the intervention forms part of activities marking the department’s 50th anniversary and the class’s 25 years since graduation, adding that further support initiatives are planned.
The items were formally presented to the DVC, who also commissioned the renovated facilities, reinforcing the growing role of alumni networks in bridging funding gaps and driving institutional development.
