UI Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Gets Bioscience Laboratory

A Bioscience Laboratory at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine funded by Dr Banji Adeniyi, an alumnus of the faculty has been commissioned by the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp.

Professor Adebowale commended, Dr Adeniyi for giving back to his alma mater, describing the gesture as a significant contribution to research, teaching and institutional development.

He highlighted the financial challenges facing federal universities and stressed the importance of alumni contributions in complementing government efforts. 

He explained that the rising costs of running tertiary institutions have made sustainable funding and stronger alumni engagement increasingly important.

The 13th VC acknowledged the facilities provided by Dr Adeniyi, which included a 20KVA solar inverter, and noted that the laboratory would strengthen research collaboration and support the One Health Initiative, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. 

He noted that the University has continued to strengthen its relationship with the alumni through the Office of Alumni Relations, particularly in building its alumni database and maintaining relationships with its graduates. 

According to him, such engagements were important in encouraging former students to remain connected to the institution and contribute to its development.

The Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Babasola Olugasa, expressed appreciation to Dr Adeniyi for the intervention, describing the laboratory as an important facility for teaching, research and disease control.

He explained that the laboratory would enable students and researchers to conduct molecular investigations and serological tests to determine antibody levels against specific pathogens. 

Professor Olugasa noted that these capabilities were essential for assessing immunity and supporting disease prevention and control, restating that the facility was equipped with laboratory equipment and a 20KVA solar inverter to support research activities. 

He disclosed that the basement of the main Faculty building which had hitherto, experienced waterlogging, was reinforced and renovated to accommodate the laboratory.

The Dean said that the facility would serve the entire Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and strengthen its capacity to investigate diseases affecting humans and animals.

Dr Banji Adeniyi described the donation as an opportunity to honour the memory of his mother whose belief in education contributed to his upbringing and development. 

He recalled the influence of his lecturers and classmates during his time at the University, noting that the discipline and values acquired at the faculty had contributed to his professional journey as a banker. 

He encouraged the alumni body of the faculty to maintain strong ties with their alma mater and support its development while pledging continued support to the University. 

Dr Adeniyi said that universities could achieve more when former students joined efforts to address institutional needs and improve facilities and called for greater collaboration between alumni and the institution.

He encouraged the students to look beyond the conventional boundaries of veterinary practice and explore opportunities across different sectors, including finance, technology, oil and gas, agriculture and animal production.

He urged them not to limit their ambitions, stressing that their training could open doors to diverse professional opportunities, while urging them to remain proud of their background and use their knowledge to make meaningful contributions to society.

The ceremony culminated in the cutting of the tape and unveiling of the plaque to commission the Bioscience Laboratory by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, followed by an inspection of the facility.