UI Exists as a Catalyst of Progress for Surrounding Communities, Says VC

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, has said that the university exists as a catalyst of progress for its surrounding communities.

He made the statement at the commissioning of a solar-powered installation at the Primary Health Centre (PHC), Ajibode, a project undertaken by the university.

Professor Adebowale explained that the University of Ibadan’s vision, “to be a world-class institution for academic excellence geared towards meeting societal needs,” is at the centre of the project, adding that if the university can no longer interact with society, it does not deserve to exist.

He said the name University of Ibadan is notable for dignity and honour, noting that service is one of the values upon which the university was established.

He thanked the staff of the health centre for their selfless services, particularly to staff of the university who reside in the Ajibode axis and beyond, reaffirming that the university will continue to support the PHC to improve its operations.

Earlier, the Director of the University Health Service, Dr. Aderonke Ajav, explained that staff of the university often visit the centre for health concerns and that the UHS took the initiative of providing certain medical supplies to the centre after due inspection.

She disclosed that the Officer-in-Charge of the centre had expressed the need for a solar-power system to aid the pumping of water from an existing borehole to improve service delivery, adding that the request was later backed by an official correspondence which was graciously approved by the Vice-Chancellor.

Dr. Ajav explained that the solar system was installed on the condition that funds would be made available by the PHC for its maintenance.

The Technical Coordinator, Akinyele Local Government Health Authority, Mrs. Victoria Haroun, expressed appreciation to the university for the laudable project, describing it as a pleasant surprise to the health agency, while urging other government agencies and private organisations to replicate such gestures.

The Officer-in-Charge of the Ajibode Primary Health Centre, Mrs. Taiwo Oludele, lamented the stress staff had to go through in sourcing water for use, which made management of the centre hectic.

She said the request was driven by her desire for patients to get the best health services while easing the burden on staff.

Mrs. Oludele commended the Vice-Chancellor for his magnanimity and reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to maintaining the facility to justify the university’s investment.

Other personalities present at the commissioning included Engr. Okunola Damilare Ishola, Asiwaju of Ajibode Land, representing the Baale of Ajibode; Chief Adewale Adewuyi, Baale of Ajibode Oke-Ona; Mrs. Adeyemi Elizabeth, Treasurer, Ward Development Committee; Mrs. C. O. Wuraola, Officer-in-Charge, Olorisa-Oko PHC; Mr. Michael Adeniji Oluniyi; and Mr. Benbe Ibrahim.

The Vice-Chancellor later commissioned other projects at the University Health Service, including the expansion of the UHS pharmacy and health store, construction of modern toilet facilities for in-patients, out-patients, persons with disabilities and staff, and the refurbishment of the UHS incinerator supervised by Professors I. F. Odesola and K. M. Odunfa of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.