Prof. Kayode Adebowale, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, has called for support and partnership of alumni members in the development of alma maters to ensure the sustainability of tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Adebowale, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Peter Olapegba, emphasised that state and federal governments were no longer providing full funding for universities, leaving institutions to generate funds independently.
He made this appeal during the maiden edition of the Sultan Bello Hall Alumni Lecture and Award program, themed “Recognition Day 2024,” held at the Trenchard Hall of the university.
The event, organised by the Warden of Sultan Bello Hall, Dr. Oyediran Oyebola, celebrated distinguished alumni and notable personalities.
Adebowale stressed that alumni ownership of universities was a global best practice, offering a sustainable solution to the funding challenges faced by Nigerian universities.
“Increasingly, we realise as a university that we have a problem because the federal and state governments are no longer willing to take 100 percent responsibility for funding universities,” he said.
“Getting the government to fund capital projects is an uphill task. Universities must either fold their arms or think creatively about sustaining themselves. One veritable way is through alumni ownership, which is standard practice worldwide.”
Several notable alumni were honored at the event, including Mr. Julius Oke, Mr. Adeleye Falade, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka, Prof. Charles Aworh, Mr Emmanuel Edah, Mr. Femi Babalola, and others.
Prof. Olayinka, a former VC of UI, expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged continued support for the development of Sultan Bello Hall.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled, “Career Progression from School to Town: Life in University as a Foundation for Success,” CEO of Aradel Holdings Plc, Mr. Adegbite Falade, urged students to embrace principles of hard work, discipline, focus, and resilience.
He also emphasised the importance of networking, having a solution-driven mindset, and seeing opportunities in all ventures.
Falade, on behalf of his twin brother, announced the donation of 50 bunk beds to address immediate challenges faced by Sultan Bello Hall students.
Oyebola, the Warden of Sultan Bello Hall, acknowledged the pivotal role of alumni in supporting institutional growth.
“Alumni are strong pillars for the sustainable development of any institution. This event is an opportunity to appreciate past contributors to the management of Sultan Bello Hall. External support has been vital for our progress,” he said.
The event also saw the attendance of key dignitaries, including the Dean of Students, Prof. ‘Keye Abiona; Pro-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Prof. Ayodeji Omole; Alhaji Ganiyu Dada Bello; and Mr. Ayodeji Adewumi.
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