Ibadan: The Vice-Chancellor (VC), University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Kayode Adebowale, has commended alumni contributions and faculty leadership for sustaining infrastructural growth in the institution.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Prof. Adebowale made these remarks in Ibadan while inaugurating four major projects executed by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at UI. He emphasized that investment in infrastructure is crucial for academic excellence, a hallmark of the university over the years.
Adebowale pointed out the necessity for universities to seek alternative funding sources due to decreasing government subventions, highlighting the importance of alumni contributions. He drew comparisons to Ivy League institutions where alumni endowments provide financial independence, bolstering academic and infrastructural development.
During a visit to an Ivy League university in the United States, Adebowale noted their alumni endowment is nearly $100 billion. Such financial support, he said, allows universities to operate autonomously. He stressed that financial autonomy equates to true autonomy, as dependence on external funding limits independence. Adebowale also highlighted the financial challenges faced by federal universities in Nigeria, noting the discrepancy between overhead allocations and actual expenditures, thereby making alumni support essential.
The VC called for enhanced alumni engagement with UI, mentioning ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive alumni database to strengthen relationships. He expressed that meaningful engagement would encourage graduates to contribute significantly to the university's advancement and independence.
Adebowale also praised Prof. Olufunke Ola-Davies, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, for her leadership and resource mobilization, which have been crucial in executing impactful projects. These projects have enhanced teaching, research infrastructure, and service delivery within the faculty.
Earlier, Ola-Davies detailed the projects, which include the refurbishment and upgrading of the Veterinary Pathology Building, furnishing of the Parasitology Laboratory, installation of an Ultra-modern Veterinary Digital X-ray machine, and a borehole for the Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory. She expressed gratitude to alumni and benefactors for their support in driving major infrastructural upgrades.
Ola-Davies also acknowledged the VC's role in acquiring a N17.5 million digital radiographic machine, despite challenges such as the theft of its critical component. She thanked Mr. Rotimi Adeyemo, CEO of Snowtrust, for his support in procuring a replacement device at a personal cost of N14 million.
Further, she appreciated the VC for completing the Virology and Parasitology building, a project abandoned for over a decade, and thanked an undisclosed classmate for funding its furnishing in memory of his late family members.
Addressing the persistent water shortage issue in the Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory, Ola-Davies highlighted the importance of the newly commissioned project and expressed gratitude to Dr. Teslim Adetoro for his generosity and support.
Ola-Davies lauded the enduring relationship between alumni and the faculty, emphasizing that their willingness to give back is crucial for maintaining and improving standards. She also thanked the Financial and Building Committees, staff, friends, and university administration for their dedication and support.
According to her, continued alumni support will help sustain the faculty's standards and reaffirm UI Veterinary School as the best in Nigeria.