UI Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry 1986 Set Commissions Legacy Projects

The 1986 Set of the defunct Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan, has demonstrated its commitment to giving back to its alma mater with the commissioning of a solar-powered lighting project and other legacy projects aimed at enhancing learning, research, security and the general environment of the University.

The commissioning formed part of activities marking the 40th anniversary of the 1986 set of the defunct faculty.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, whose speech was delivered by the Dean, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Professor Adejoke O. Akinyele, commended the alumni for their love, loyalty and commitment to their alma mater.

He described the initiative as more than the commissioning of projects, noting that it represents a celebration of the enduring relationship between the University and the alumni it nurtured over four decades.

He said the installation of solar lights around the Faculties of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources would improve illumination, security and the general ambience of the environment while promoting the use of sustainable energy.

The Vice-Chancellor added that the refurbishment of seats in the Large and Small Lecture Theatres was also noteworthy, noting that the intervention would improve the comfort and learning experience of students in the academic spaces.

He noted that although the interventions might appear simple, their impact would be felt by generations of students and staff, stressing that the alumni had not merely provided facilities but had invested in people, learning and the future of the two faculties.

Professor Adebowale appreciated the 1986 Set for remembering where they began and choosing to give back in a practical and meaningful way, describing the gesture as an example of responsible alumni engagement.

He also expressed hope that the initiative would inspire other alumni sets, corporate organisations and friends of the faculties to partner with the University in addressing developmental needs.

The Director of Alumni Relations, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor IkeOluwa A. Lagunju, described the contribution of the 1986 Set as a significant milestone, noting that the strength of any university is closely connected to the strength of its alumni.

She said the decision to provide lighting for the two faculties was particularly significant because adequate lighting contributes to security and helps create a safer environment.

Professor Lagunju also appreciated the 1986 Set for refurbishing the lecture theatres, describing the initiative as a meaningful contribution to the University after 40 years. She urged the alumni to remain connected and continue supporting their alma mater.

The President of the 1986 Set of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Professor Victor O. Adetimirin, said the set decided to make the reunion and 40th anniversary more meaningful by adding value to the faculties through the legacy projects.

He recalled that the former Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry had subsequently evolved into the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, explaining that the set therefore extended the project across the two faculties.

According to him, the lighting project was conceived to provide a safer and more conducive environment for students and researchers to study, conduct research and work without fear of activities in dark areas.

Professor Adetimirin described the 1986 Set as “a class of light,” stressing that the project was symbolic of the alumni’s desire to bring light to the faculties that had nurtured them.

He said the alumni body was pleased to return to the University 40 years after graduation and expressed optimism that the set would return in the future to do more for the institution.

The legacy projects, tagged “Light Up Faculties of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources,” included:

• Installation of solar-powered lights around the Faculties of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources.

• Refurbishment of seats in the Large Lecture Theatre.

• Refurbishment of seats in the Small Lecture Theatre.

The set had earlier paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor and held an alumni lecture to commemorate the 40th anniversary of graduation.