UI DVC Commends HRH Professor A. T. Hassan for Donating Environmental Biology Laboratory to His Alma Mater

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, fspsp, has lauded His Royal Highness, Professor A. T. Hassan, Obaruwa I, the Elesugbon of Esugbon, Ogun State, for his remarkable gesture of giving back to the institution through the donation of an Environmental Biology Laboratory to the Department of Zoology.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony of the new facility, Professor Olapegba commended the donor’s generosity, describing it as a significant contribution to the university’s growth and academic development. He emphasized that acts of giving back by alumni and stakeholders help to alleviate the financial and infrastructural pressures faced by public universities.

The DVC further noted that the project would enhance research and teaching capacity within the Department of Zoology while strengthening the university’s standing, particularly during accreditation and quality assurance evaluations. He described HRH Professor Hassan’s gesture as one that had “etched his name, that of his family, and his kingdom in gold.”

In his remarks, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, FAS, recounted Professor Hassan’s years of dedicated service to the University of Ibadan as Head of Department and Dean of the Faculty of Science. He noted that the donor spent most of his professional life within the institution, from his days as a student to his retirement, contributing immensely to the growth and reputation of the Department of Zoology.

The Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu, also expressed the university’s deep appreciation for the project, describing Professor Hassan’s generosity as a worthy example of alumni commitment.

In her welcome address, Professor Aina Adeogun, Head of the Department of Zoology and member of the Governing Council, said the donation fulfilled the donor’s long-held desire to give back to the department that had shaped his career. She highlighted that Professor Hassan had always been passionate about contributing to the department’s development and sustaining its legacy of excellence.

In his own address, HRH Professor A. T. Hassan expressed gratitude to the University of Ibadan for providing the academic foundation that shaped his career. He acknowledged the university’s pivotal role in nurturing his passion for research and learning, which he credited as instrumental to his professional success.

The commissioning of the laboratory, named in honour of HRH Professor A. T. Hassan, was performed by Professor Peter O. Olapegba on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor.