UI VC Says Alumni Play Indispensable Role in University Growth

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has reiterated the indispensable role of alumni in the growth and development of the University.

Professor Adebowale made the statement while receiving the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Barrister Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, and the leadership of Independence Hall during a courtesy visit to his office ahead of the first Alumni Personality Lecture organised by the Hall.

The Vice-Chancellor described alumni as the unseen hand behind the sustainable growth and global competitiveness of universities, urging graduates of the University of Ibadan to play more active roles in the development of the institution.

He said public universities could no longer rely solely on government funding to meet their expanding responsibilities, stressing that universities across the world thrive largely because of the unwavering support of their alumni through endowments, partnerships and philanthropy.

According to him, alumni should endeavour to truly own the University, as government alone can no longer shoulder the responsibility of funding higher education.

Professor Adebowale noted that the University of Ibadan has one of the largest and most distinguished alumni networks in Africa. He, however, said there remains significant untapped potential in mobilising graduates to support the institution.

He disclosed that this was why the University established the Office of Alumni Relations in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor in 2021 to strengthen engagement with the University's alumni worldwide, build a comprehensive alumni database and foster stronger relationships that would encourage greater contributions to the growth of the University.

The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the University's rich heritage, recalling that the University of Ibadan was founded in 1948 following the recommendations of the Elliot and Asquith Commission reports, making it Nigeria's premier university.

He added that from an initial enrolment of 104 students in three faculties, the institution has grown to over 50,000 students, 21 faculties, 136 departments, 101 academic programmes, five institutes and three centres of excellence.

He noted that the University continues to pursue its long-term vision of becoming a leading postgraduate and research-intensive university in Africa.

The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, who studied Economics at the University of Ibadan before returning to earn a degree in Law, described his return to his alma mater as an exciting privilege and an opportunity to engage with scholars and students through a public lecture.

He described the University of Ibadan as an institution that greatly influenced his journey in life. He reflected on his years as a student and reaffirmed his commitment to the institution that shaped his career.

Barrister Lawal disclosed that the lecture provided an opportunity to share experiences gathered from public service, the legal profession and politics and contribute to the intellectual life of the University.

Earlier, the Hall Warden of Independence Hall, Dr. Kunle Odedokun, said the personality lecture series was conceived to reconnect accomplished alumni with current students, providing a platform for them to share leadership experiences and inspire the next generation.

He recalled that Barrister Lawal resided in Independence Hall between 1975 and 1978 and described him as an outstanding alumnus whose achievements in law, public service and governance placed him in a strong position to serve as the first personality lecturer in the lecture series.