UI Vice-Chancellor Commissions New Security Post at Faculty of Education Donated by Two Retired Rear Admirals

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has commissioned a newly constructed security post at the Faculty of Education, donated by Rear Admiral A. L. Akintola (Rtd.) and Rear Admiral B. O. Oguntola (Rtd.).

Describing the project as a valuable contribution to the University's security infrastructure and institutional development, Professor Adebowale said the facility was more than just a security post. 

"It is a facelift of the main entrance that will strengthen access control and enhance safety within the faculty," he stated.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the donors for their generosity and commitment to the development of the University. He noted that sole funding of public universities by government was no longer sustainable given the growing needs of Nigerian public universities.

Professor Adebowale disclosed that the overhead allocation received from government was a far cry from the University’s increasing operational expenditures, while Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, could no longer meet rising overhead costs. 

He said this informed the University’s intensified efforts to strengthen relationships with alumni and well-meaning individuals through the Office of Alumni Relations, OAR. According to him, about 70 percent of alumni from inception have been captured and properly documented in the university’s database.

He acknowledged that challenges and existential gaps had been identified, but assured that the University, through OAR, was addressing them and remained dedicated to fostering stronger alumni engagement and support.

The Vice-Chancellor added that 78 years after its establishment, the University continues to build on the enduring foundation laid by its founding fathers, with successive administrations sustaining its legacy of excellence, integrity, and service.

In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Kehinde Kester, said the idea for the security post arose from the need to provide a befitting facility for the faculty. He noted that shortly after assuming office, it became evident that the available security space was not conducive, prompting plans for an architecturally designed modern security post.

Professor Kester appreciated the donors for funding the project, describing the facility as a significant addition that would enhance security and improve the aesthetics of the faculty.

Speaking on behalf of the donors, Rear Admiral A. L. Akintola (Rtd.), an alumnus of the University, said the project was inspired by the support and encouragement they received while pursuing their doctoral degrees at the Faculty of Education. He described the security post as a way of giving back to a faculty that contributed significantly to their academic journey, adding that earning a Ph.D from the University was a life-changing experience.

The newly built security post was later declared open by the Vice-Chancellor, who was led on a tour of the facility by the Dean, in company of the donors and faculty members.