UI VC Reaffirms Importance of Mentorship and Collaboration for Institutional Growth

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. K.O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, has emphasised the critical role of mentorship, collaboration, and research advancement in sustaining the institution’s legacy of excellence.

He made this known while receiving Dr. Akinyemi Ojesina, an alumnus of the University and Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, USA, who visited as Guest Lecturer at the Faculty of Clinical Sciences Faculty Lecture.

Prof. Adebowale commended Dr. Ojesina for his achievements and for giving back to his alma mater. He identified brain drain as a pressing challenge in Nigerian universities, particularly in the medical sciences, where young academics often emigrate. He stressed that mentorship is key to addressing the problem, as younger scholars need guidance, encouragement, and role models to inspire them to stay and build their careers locally.

The Vice-Chancellor urged other alumni to step forward in bridging the mentorship gap, assuring Dr. Ojesina of the University’s full support in fostering collaborations that would benefit students, staff, and the wider society.

In his remarks, Dr. Ojesina reaffirmed his passion for mentoring young researchers and driving multidisciplinary collaboration. He noted that since his arrival, he had already engaged with students and research groups, adding that active mentorship can help create opportunities for young academics to thrive in Nigeria. He also expressed readiness to strengthen partnerships with international institutions, particularly in cancer genomics and biomedical research.

Speaking earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Prof. Taiwo Lawal, described the lecture as highly significant, being the first in nearly eight years since the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed delight that it was delivered by Dr. Ojesina, one of UI’s distinguished alumni, and thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his consistent support, which he said had helped the faculty rise above numerous challenges.