University of Ibadan Trains Alumni Representatives to Strengthen Engagement with Graduates

The University of Ibadan (UI), through its Office of Alumni Relations (OAR), has organised an orientation programme for faculty and departmental alumni representatives to strengthen relationships between the institution and its graduates.

The programme, themed “Building Bridges, Strengthening Bonds: The Role of Alumni Representatives,” was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical tools needed to promote sustained engagement between the university and its alumni community.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, described the university’s alumni as stakeholders, partners and co-owners of the University of Ibadan brand, emphasising the importance of building stronger and mutually beneficial relationships with them.

Professor Adebowale explained that the Office of Alumni Relations was established in December 2022 to develop a vibrant alumni community founded on mutual trust and mutually beneficial relationships.

He noted that the university’s alumni represented one of its greatest assets, having distinguished themselves in various fields and occupied influential positions across Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted contributions from alumni groups, including those of the College of Medicine, Department of Geology and Independence Hall. He noted that their support had contributed to infrastructure development, scholarships, research, student training and other university initiatives.

He charged the representatives to serve as effective links between the university and its alumni by promoting networking, mentorship and meaningful engagement.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, fspsp, C Psych, FSSAN, who was the pioneer Director of the Office of Alumni Relations, recalled the challenges the office faced in establishing a comprehensive alumni database.

He explained that the initial database contained limited information about graduates, making it difficult to maintain effective communication with them.

According to him, when Professor Adebowale assumed office as Vice-Chancellor, he identified the need to strengthen the university’s relationship with its alumni, leading to the establishment of the Office of Alumni Relations.

Professor Olapegba disclosed that the office initially received a database containing information on approximately 60,000 alumni, including their names, matriculation numbers, departments and faculties. However, the database lacked essential contact information such as home addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers.

He said the office eventually overcame the challenge and urged the representatives to take ownership of their responsibilities by developing active alumni networks.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor challenged them to identify graduates who could contribute their expertise and resources towards strengthening relationships between their respective faculties, departments and alumni communities.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Juwon Tunde Arotiba, FICD, FWACS, described alumni as living testimonies of the university’s endurance and excellence, as well as ambassadors who carry its values and traditions across the world.

He noted that effective alumni networks could provide mentorship, career guidance, research collaboration and other valuable opportunities for students and graduates.

The Director of the Office of Alumni Relations, Professor IkeOluwa A. Lagunju, explained that the orientation was organised to equip representatives with the knowledge and tools required to strengthen connections between the university and its alumni.

She described the representatives as the “connective tissues” of the university’s alumni ecosystem, linking the institution with its graduates, faculties with former students, and departments with the professionals they had produced.

The programme featured technical sessions and presentations on alumni engagement, institutional development, mentorship and the role of representatives in sustaining relationships between the university and its graduates.

The presentations and resource persons were:

1. “Building Institutional Capabilities – Leveraging on the Alumni,” delivered by the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor A. I. Olayinka, FAS.

2. “Engaging and Sustaining Alumni Participation in their Alma Mater – The ICOMAA Experience,” delivered by Emeritus Professor S. I. Omokhodion, President of ICOMAA Worldwide.

3. “The Expectations of the University of Ibadan Alumni in the UI Alumni Ecosystem,” delivered by Dr Adebanji Adeyoju, a Consultant Urological Surgeon in the United Kingdom.

4. “The Alumni as Mentors: Building the Next Generation,” delivered by Engineer Abisola Otesile of Albermarle Corporation, United States.

5. “The University of Ibadan as a Brand: Drawing from the Wealth of the Teeming Alumni,” delivered by Mr Tunde Ijiyemi, Chief Executive Officer of Education Advancement Support Services (EASS) Limited.

6. “Connecting the Dots: Your Role in the Alumni Relations Ecosystem,” delivered by Professor IkeOluwa A. Lagunju, Director of the Office of Alumni Relations.

The orientation underscored the University of Ibadan’s commitment to strengthening alumni relations and harnessing the expertise, experience and resources of its graduates to support institutional development, student mentorship, research and academic excellence.