“For Sustainability, Federal Universities need to deepen relationships with alumni, friends, benefactors, and philanthropists,” says UI VC
Oru Leonard
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, has reiterated that given the national demands on the resources of the federal government, the 51 federal universities in Nigeria, need to deepen relationships with friends, alumni, benefactors, and philanthropists for their continued existence.
This, according to the VC, is because the funds usually released by the government to the universities are grossly inadequate adding that government alone can no longer fund universities and thus, the need for support from various organizations and individuals.
Professor Adebowale spoke at the presentation of
monetary support to four students in his office. Two of the students are from the University of Ibadan, while the other two are from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.
The UI students are, Mr. Samuel T. Adesina of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, and Miss Oyenike A. Akinsanmi of the Department of Human Nutrition & Dietetics; while the students from Obafemi Awolowo University are Mr. Olamide M. Sanusi of the Department of Political Science, and Miss Fisayo D. Oladiran of the Department of Art & Social Science Education. They are all final year students
Professor Adebowale appreciated the kindness of the donors, saying that the cash came at a critical stage in the lives of the beneficiaries.
He stated that some students are so indigent that paying school fees and meeting other financial needs take a large toll on their lives.
He commended the donors and said the presentation ought to serve as a challenge to others.
The VC counselled the beneficiaries to use the money judiciously and solely for the purpose of furthering their education.
The President of the donor club, Club Twelve88, Abuja, Rear Admiral Amos Gbadejo Adedeji (Rtd), said the club decided to give the four indigent students from UI and OAU, financial support in order to assist them in their academic pursuits.
He explained that Club Twelve88, Abuja, was formed by 12 friends of the then Oyo State origin, who were resident in Abuja in 1988, with the aim of supporting visiting indigenes of the then Oyo State, indigent students and other needy members of the society.
He added that the club had since given support to many communities in the sinking of boreholes in the present Oyo and Osun States.
The President of Club Twelve88, Abuja, Rear Admiral Adedeji (Rtd), was accompanied by Chief Tunde Faremi, a member of the Club, and Emeritus Professor Timothy Olayiwola Egunjobi, formerly of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Ibadan.
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Adedeji (Rtd) has decided to institute an annual donation to the Department of Computer Science in memory of his wife, late Mrs Iyabo Monsurat Adedeji (nee Arijo-Lawal) who obtained a degree in Computer Science from the University of Ibadan. Rear Admiral Adedeji is also an alumnus of the Peace and Strategic Studies programme of the University .
