Towards celebrating 70th anniversary of the University of Ibadan (UI), this year, the Management of the institution has inaugurated a high-level committee empowered to plan, coordinate and execute various activities to mark the milestone.
The UI which was established in 1948 will be 70 years old this November.
Inaugurating the 70th Anniversary Committee at the expanded Management Meeting where various proposals were presented, the UI Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka remarked that “though 70 years in the life of the university was relatively young when compared with some universities across the world, some of which are as old as 700 years, UI must joyfully mark this milestone considering its contributions to national development ”
Prof. Olayinka said, “This is the university which has produced high caliber of human resource for Nigeria in particular and the world at large, as UI products are found in almost every part of the world doing very well. Indeed, we can confidently say our products are our pride as people believe that once this product is from Ibadan, it must be the best.”
Prof. Olayinka stressed: “Given its prestigious position in higher education in Nigeria, some people have said ‘every educated Nigerian is either direct or indirect product of UI.’ This is because if you did not attend UI, you must have been taught somewhere by someone who attended UI or who was taught by someone who trained in UI. Therefore, UI belongs to all Nigerians.
“In the last 70 years of our academic excellence, our achievements are numerous and impactful as it can be seen in the quality of our products in every sphere of life. Therefore, we feel it will not be a bad idea if we come together on this occasion to celebrate, reflect on the journey so far and plan for the future. We intend to bring back our old alumni for flashback and reminiscence , celebrate our icons and inspire the current students towards nothing but the best.”
Prof. Olayinka therefore called on all alumni of UI to get ready for the epoch celebration, saying every alumnus should think about the contributions of the university to their lives with a view to giving back to the university that made them.
He announced that UI would be shopping for the sum of N70billion as capital projects campaign, just as he expressed optimism that “the dream is achievable if all UI products are harnessed.
At the meeting were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Ambrose EmilOlorun Aiyelari, the DVC (academic), Prof. Adeyinka Aderinto, the Registrar, Mr. Olujimi Olukoya, the University Librarian, Dr. (Mrs) Helen Komolafe Opadeji, Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Oluwabunmi Olapade Olaopa among others.
UI Inauguates Committee on 70th Anniversary
