By Ibukun Emiola

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.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adebowale stated this in Ibadan on Tuesday while inaugurating four major projects executed by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UI.

He stated that sustaining investment in infrastructure was a veritable means of achieving academic excellence, which UI had been known for over the years.

Adebowale said that dwindling government subvention required universities to look inward, stressing that alumni funding remained vital.

He cited Ivy League institutions where alumni endowments enabled financial independence and robust academic and infrastructural development globally.

“During a visit to an Ivy League university in the United States, we learnt that their alumni endowment stands close to $100 billion. With such support, universities can function independently.

“Financial autonomy determines true autonomy: as long as we depend on external funding, we cannot claim full independence.

“Currently, federal universities in Nigeria do not charge significant tuition fees, and our overhead allocation is inadequate.

“For instance, our overhead is about ₦24 million, while our monthly expenditure exceeds ₦300 million. These realities make alumni support indispensable,” Adebowale said.

The VC urged stronger alumni engagement with UI, noting efforts to build a comprehensive database to strengthen relationships were ongoing.

Adebowale said that meaningful engagement would inspire graduates to contribute significantly towards the university’s advancement and autonomy.

He praised the Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Olufunke Ola-Davies, for her resource mobilisation, describing her leadership as instrumental in executing impactful projects.

The projects, he said, had improved teaching, research infrastructure and overall service delivery within the faculty.

Earlier, Ola-Davies, highlighted the projects as: the refurbishment and upgrading of the Veterinary Pathology Building; furnishing of the Parasitology Laboratory, Ultra-modern Veterinary Digital X-ray machine, and borehole for the Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory.

Ola-Davies also appreciated the support of alumni and benefactors in driving major infrastructural upgrades at the faculty.

She praised the VC, recalling that he was the brains behind a N17.5 million digital radiographic machine, approved three years ago to improve teaching and students’ exposure.

“However, shortly after the supply, the brain for the machine was stolen, which rendered the machine unusable.

“I want to deeply appreciate the support of Mr Rotimi Adeyemo, CEO of Snowtrust, who, despite this mishap, decided to assist in ordering for another device at the cost of N14 million from his purse to make this vision a reality,” said the Dean.

Ola-Davies acknowledged the VC for completing the Virology and Parasitology building in 2024 after it had been abandoned for more than 10 years.

She also lauded her undisclosed classmate for funding the furnishing of the building in memory of his late sister and parents.

“The incessant water shortage problem in the Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory is the impetus for the final project that we are gathered to commission today.

“We are truly grateful for the support that made it a reality; Dr Teslim Adetoro, I’m immensely grateful for your kindness, largeness of heart and belief in me.

“The continued dependence on the goodwill of our alumni is a testament to the good relationship our faculty has with our alumni, which makes them willing to give back to their alma mater, to help maintain and improve the standards,” Ola-Davies said.

She thanked the members of the Financial and Building Committees, staff, friends, and the university administration for their dedication.

According to her, more continued alumni support will sustain the faculty’s standards and affirm UI Veterinary School as Nigeria’s best. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso and Moses Solanke