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ADDRESS BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, PROFESSOR A. IDOWU OLAYINKA, ON

THE OCCASION OF THE 2019 CONVOCATION, 71ST FOUNDATION DAY

CEREMONY, AWARD OF DOCTORATE DEGREES AND CONFERMENT OF

HONORARY DEGREES AND FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN ON

MONDAY, 18 NOVEMBER, 2019

The Visitor to the University of Ibadan, His Excellency, President Muhamadu

Buhari GCFR, who is ably represented by the Executive Secretary, National

Universities Commission

His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde

The Honourable Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu

The Chancellor, His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar,III, CFR, mni,

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University,

Nde Joshua Mutka Waklek, mni

His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II

His Royal Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso I, the Olubadan of

Ibadanland

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His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Aromolaran II, CFR, the Owa Obokun

Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijeshaland;

The Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Professor Abubakar

Adamu Rasheed, MFR, mni, FNAL

Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps

Members of the Governing Council

Vice-Chancellors of other Universities

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration)

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships)

Registrar

Bursar

University Librarian

General Officer Commanding 2 Mechanized Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan

Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command

Director, State Security Services

Provost, College of Medicine and of the Postgraduate College

Deans of Faculties & of Students

Directors of Institutes

Members of Senate

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Members of Congregation

Heads of Departments

President and Members of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association

Worldwide

Members of the University Community

Gentlemen of the Press

Celebrated Graduands of today

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is with great delight and gladdened heart that I formally welcome you all

to this occasion marking the 71st Foundation Day Ceremony of the University of

Ibadan and Convocation for admission to Doctorate Degrees of the University and

award of Honorary Degrees and Fellowship. The University has marked its 70th

anniversary with pomp and pageantry with a number of activities since the last

Foundation Day ceremony in 2018 and the 70th Anniversary Committee would be

winding up its activities soon.

I most heartily welcome our Visitor, His Excellency, President Muhammadu

Buhari, GCFR, who in the last couple of months commenced his second term in

office. We wish His Excellency good health and wisdom to successfully navigate

the ship of the nation.

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I also warmly welcome His Excellency, The Governor of Oyo State,

Engineer Seyi Makinde, who is attending this special occasion for the first time in

his capacity as Governor. His Excellency has been supporting the UI project in his

personal capacity, even before he assumed office in May this year. Indeed I

welcome all other State Governors and their representatives at this special

occasion.

I would also like to heartily welcome the Minister of Education, Mallam

Adamu Adamu, who is returning for the second time as Minister of Education. I

must also welcome the Minister of State for Education.

I wish to express my appreciation to Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed,

mni, MFR, FNAL, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities

Commission (NUC) a focused and dedicated supporter of University education in

Nigeria.

I am delighted to welcome our Chancellor, His Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad

Abubakar, III, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto, who has been a great pillar of

support to our University.

We acknowledge the Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund,

Prof Elias Bogoro, FAS, for his continued support.

I like to use this opportunity to welcome His Royal Majesty, Oba Saliu

Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso I, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

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I also especially recognise His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan

Ogunwusi, Ojaja II as well as other Monarchs here present.

I like to also welcome colleague Vice-Chancellors and Registrars from sister

Universities, Former Vice Chancellors, Our Emeritus Professors and retirees from

this University, members of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association

Worldwide, Captains of industries and all other invited guests.

APPRECIATION TO THE GOVERNING COUNCIL, MANAGEMENT

AND STAFF

I like to use this opportunity to thank and welcome our Pro-Chancellor and

Chairman of Council, Nde Joshua K. Waklek, mni, for his guidance, excellent

leadership and the outstanding role he is playing in the University of Ibadan

project.

But for the support and commitment of the Governing Council, to transform

the University, our activities as management would have been more herculean. I

am therefore grateful to all internal and external members of Council.

It is pleasurable to commence another decade with our mantra in view

“Sustaining the Legacy , Raising the Bar.”

I must express appreciation to my colleagues in Management; the Deputy

Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Kayode Adebowale, Deputy Vice-

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Chancellor (Academic) Professor Adebola Ekanola, who is attending this

ceremony for the first time in his capacity as DVC, the immediate past Deputy

Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Adeyinka A. Aderinto, Deputy Vice-

Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships) Professor Olanike

Adeyemo, the Registrar, Mrs. Olubunmi Faluyi, the Bursar, Dr. Michael A.

Alatise, and the University Librarian, Dr. Helen O. Komolafe –Opadeji.

I would also appreciate the Provosts of the College of Medicine and of the

Postgraduate College Professor Emiola O. Olapade-Olaopa and Professor J.

Olabamiji Babalola and their two deputies, all Deans and Directors, Heads of

Academic Departments, Master/Mistresses and Warden of Student Halls of

Residence, Chairmen and members of various Committees of Council and Senate,

all staff of the Registry, the Bursary, Audit, Academic Planning, University Health

Service, and the Works and Maintenance Department, the Physical Planning and

Project Management Unit, and the Campus Security Service.

The four Staff Unions, namely the Academic Staff Union of Universities

(ASUU) the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the

National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), and the Non-Academic

Staff Union (NASU) deserve commendation for their support and cooperation.

I like to also use this platform to welcome my colleagues who have invested

time and energy in sharpening the skills and research focus and ability of today’s

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graduands. Let me also welcome and congratulate the parents, guardians, families

and friends of our graduands. We appreciate your support and commitment for the

realisation of the goals of today’s graduands.

CONGRATULATING THE GRADUANDS

I like to congratulate all graduands of today and to rejoice with you all for

attaining this important milestone in your pursuit of a higher educational degree. I

am of the firm belief that you will be good ambassadors of University of Ibadan

while making positive contributions to the growth and development aspirations of

the Nigerian State.

There is no gainsaying the fact that the University of Ibadan has a pride of

place in the higher educational development of the nation. It has invested in its

Faculties for quality teaching and production of quality researchers, by building a

time tested academic culture and tradition which it has continued to maintain and

improve upon over the years.

I wish to again plead with Mr. President that the University of Ibadan be

given a special priority attention in form of Special reconstruction and

rehabilitation funds as well as increased allocation spread over a period of say 10

years for the University to favourably compete with other top institutions not only

in Africa but all over the world.

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On Tuesday and Wednesday last week, a total of 7,430 candidates received

first degrees in various disciplines across all our Faculties. Two hundred and forty

one of the candidates graduated with a First Class Honours.

A special recognition must be given to one of our students who finished with

a perfect Cummulative Grade Point Average of 7.0. She is Ofure Mary

Ebhomielen of the Department of Computer Science. With this honour, Ofure has

become the fourth person and the first female to graduate with a perfect CGPA in

the 71 year history of our institution.

Your Excellencies, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, on Thursday and

Friday the same week, a total of 28 candidates received MPhil, 3,290 earned

Academic Masters degrees, 136 Professional Master degrees and 160 Postgraduate

Diplomas.

The overall three best students in the Master degree examination namely

Miss Osanyilusi Titilayo Mary of the Department of Animal Science, Miss

Owolabi Abibat Olayinka and Mr Adekunle Yemi Adekola, of the Department of

Pharmaceutical Chemistry will be offered offered employment as Assistant

Lecturer or Lecturer Grade II, on the recommendation of their Deans and the

Provost of the Postgraduate College.

Today, one candidate will receive the higher doctorate degree of Doctor of

Science. Dr Dagogo Jack, a member of the MB, BS Graduating Class of 1978, is

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the fifth person ever to earn a D.Sc from this university in our 71-year chequered

history.

A total of 343 candidates, from various disciplines would be awarded the

Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The Faculty of Education leads the pack with a total

of 70; followed by the Faculty of Science with 60 PhD graduands and the Faculty

of Agriculture with 44.

ADDRESSING OUR CHALLENGES

This administration has continued to tackle challenges associated with

providing a healthy, safe and conducive environment for sound education. It is in

the light of the above that management has rehabilitated three pressure filter pipes

at the Water Treatment plant, on-going repair and replacement of blocked

galvanised distribution pipes and valves in different locations on the campus.

Provision of semi- industrial bore-holes in Lander Area, Amina Way, Abadina

Area etc to mention a few.

Power supply has been a major challenge nationwide, however, we have

refurbished 9 Nos distribution transformers ranging from 250 KVA to 1000 KVA

and also procured safety equipment (PPE) for members of staff in the Electrical

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section. Management has provided streetlight at Appleton Road to enhance

security of lives and property.

Some of the activities of the University in the last one year have been

presented on Tuesday last week, November 12, 2019.

We are determined to ensure fast, secured and reliable internet services for

teaching, learning, research and value-added community service. In spite of our

giving top priority to the provision of Information Technology we still require

additional investment of about Six Hundred Million Naira to support our ICT

infrastructure. We solicit the support of our stakeholders to make this laudable

dream a reality,

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS AND HONOURS

Three of our distinguished and retired professors have been appointed

Emeritus Professor. They include Prof D.S. Izevbaye (Arts), Prof

Oyebiodun Longe (Agriculture) and Prof Egunjobi (Environmental Design

and Management).

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Kayode Adebowale

was conferred with the Fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry and

Fellowship of the Polymer Society of Nigeria;

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The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Adebola Ekanola,

received a Fellowship of the Society of Peace Studies and Practice;

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic

Partnerships), Professor Olanike K. Adeyemo received Fellowship of the

Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Migration;

Professor Andrew O. Okwilagwe, Former Head, Department of Library,

Archival and Information Studies was appointed Vice-Chancellor, Westland

University, Iwo, Osun State;

Many of our serving and retired Professors are among the Foundation

Fellows of the Nigerian Academy of Medicine;

Professor Patricia A. Onocha of the Department of Chemistry, was elected

Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

The Provost, College of Medicine, Professor E.O. Olapade-Olaopa was

elected to the Board of Directors of Societe Internationale d’Urology as

Chairman of the Membership Section for Africa and the Middle East

Professor Oladosu Ojengbede, has been nominated to receive the Martin-

Peterson Global Health Scholar Award from the Office of Global Women’s

Health at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

(ACOG).

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Prof. Remi Raji-Oyelade was inducted into the fellowship of the Association

of Nigerian Authors.

Dr Chiaka Anumudu, Reader in the Department of Zoology, won the Becas

de Guadalupe Ortiz de Landazuri Science Fellowship tenable at the

Universitat de Valencia, Spain.

Professor Chioma C. Asuzu, Head, Department of Guidance and

Counselling, Faculty of Education has been appointed and inaugurated as

Secretary General of the Executive Committee of the International

Psychology Society (2019-2021). The induction was held on Sunday, 22

September, 2019 in Banif, Albeta Province, Canada.

Professor D.A. Adeleke, Head, Department of Linguistics and African

Languages, has been re-elected as the National President of EGBE ONIMO

EDE YORUBA (Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria).

The Fafunwa Educational Foundation 2019 Doctoral Award was won by Dr.

Israel OLASUNKANMI of the Department of Science and Technology

Education.

Yetunde Omotola OGUNDAIRO, a Ph.D student in the Department of

Human Nutrition, won a grant of Forty Nine Thousand US Dollars

($49,000.00) from Nestle Research Foundation for her doctoral research

work.

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The Institute of African Studies hosted an International Workshop with the

theme “Transforming the Humanities through Interdisciplinary Knowledge

(THInK), with thirteen scholars from the University of Witwatersrand,

Johannesburg, South Africa.

The University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the

Central Bank of Nigeria for a Collaborative Postgraduate Programme on 17

June 2019;

Dr. Sharon Omotoso, a Research Fellow in the Institute of African Studies

led a team of UI Researchers to win the 2018/2019 Meaning-Making

Research Initiatives (MRI) competition and got a grant support to the tune of

$35,000 for a 16-month research project.

Dr. O. F. Falade and Mr. A.O. Onofeli both of the Department of Forest

Production and Products received the Association of Commonwealth

Universities Travel Grant for 2019.

Professor B.O. Omitoyin of the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries

Management was appointed an Expert as part of a team of Researchers

saddled with the responsibility of developing Agri-input strategy for

ECOWAS region and the Sahel. The research is under the purview of the

West and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research and

Development, Dakar, Senegal on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission.

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Professor O.Y. Ogunsanwo of the Department of Forest Production and

Products was elected a Fellow of the International Centre for Sustainable

Development, Nigeria.

Professor Iruka N. Okeke, Head, Department of Pharmaceutical

Microbiology was elected a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences.

Dr. Temitope O. Ajayi of the Department of Pharmacognosy won the 2018

Postdoctoral Fellowship of American Association of University Women,

USA. She also utilized the 2018 Postdoctoral Fellowship of the American

Association of University Women in Germany.

Dr. Wuraola Akande-Sholabi of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy &

Pharmacy Administration won the TWAS/DFG Postdoctoral Fellowship

Cooperative Visits Programme in Germany for Scientists from Sub-Saharan

Africa.

In recognition of her contribution to scholarship, Professor Oluwatoyin A.

Odeku, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, was inducted as a Fellow of the

Academy of Science.

Four staff members of the Faculty of Pharmacy namely Drs. Omonike

Ogbole and Taiwo Elufioye, both of the Department of Pharmacognosy, and

Drs Olufunke D. Akin-Ajani and Tolulope O. Ajala, both of the Department

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of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy were inducted as fellows of the

West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (FPCPharm).

Prof. Chinedum P. Babalola received the 2018 Annual May and Baker

Professional Service Award in Pharmacy.

Dr. R.B. Olatunji was granted a one-year Fellowship position in Paediatrics

Neuroradiology in the prestigious Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids),

Toronto, Canada.

Professor Iruka N. Okeke of the Department of Pharmaceutical

Microbiology, along with colleagues in the UK, Philippines, India and

Columbia, was awarded a grant from the National Institute for Health

Research to use genomic methods to study Antimicrobial Resistance.

Professor Adenike Osofisan of the Department of Computer Science was

inducted into the Nigeria Women Hall of Fame at Abuja, Nigeria.

Dr. Musibau Adetunji Babatunde of the School of Economics was appointed

Special Adviser on Economic Matters to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo

State.

Dr. R. B. Olatunji of the Department of Radiology has been granted a one

(1) year Fellowship position in Paediatrics Neuroradiology in the prestigious

Hospital for Sick Children (Sick kids), Toronto, Canada

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Drs I.O. Azeez and S.O. Olajuyigbe of the Departments of Social and

Environmental Forestry, and Forest Production and Products, respectively

were awarded the Forest Stewardship Travel Grant, which enabled them

participate in the Regional meeting for Tropical Forest in Africa, held in

Kenya 13 – 16 May 2019.

Mr. R.A. Akong won a scholarship to complete his Ph.D bench work at the

Institut for Anorganishe und Analytische Chemie (IAAC), Friedrich-Schiller

University, Jena, Germany.

Two of our students have emerged as one of the top six teams at the 2019

CFO Global Case Study Competition (fourth edition), organised by the

Charterquest Institute, South Africa. The team known as ‘Team Renaissance

Consulting’ from the University of Ibadan comprised; Ayobami Marcus Olasupo

(Team Leader), and Oluwaseun Sunmola.

Some students in the Department of Computer Science won prizes at various

events as follow:

1. A 300 Level student of the Department – Femi Ayodeji won the Software

Exhibition organized by NACOSS at the National Conference held in

LAUTECH, Ogbomosho.

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2. Halima Oladosu, a Master’s student in the Department’s Team X came 3rd

in Data Science 2019 WIDS Datathon Competition at the 2nd Annual

Women in Data Science (WIDS).

3. Okparaeke Chukwuemeka John came 3rd in the Geohackaton Competition

organished by GIS Konsult, Ibadan.

Miss Onyinyechi V. Uhuo got Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

Fellowship for Ph.D. research visit to the University of Western Cape, South

Africa.

RAD-AID International and Google have collaborated with the Department of

Radiology to donate a Pictorial Archival System (PACS) with Google Cloud

Storage. RAD-AID International has also commenced training of Radiologists to

specialize in Interventional Radiology as well as make the Department of

Radiology a training hub for Interventional Radiology in Nigeria.

Four graduating students of the University have been awarded with full

scholarships to participate in Hutzpa’s Young Innovation Leader Scholar Award

from May till August 2020.

(i). Lawal Adewale OGUNFOWORA, Department of Computer Science

(ii). Olusegun AFOLARANMI, Medicine and Surgery

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(iii). Boluwatife N. IKWUNNE, Medicine and Surgery

(iv). Olubukola Ogheneovo OJAGBEMI, Dentistry

Students in the Faculties of Pharmacy and Renewable Natural Resources

received travel grants that enabled them to attend and make presentations at

local and international meetings of pharmaceutical associations in: Lagos

State, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Scotland.

Three 200-Level students of the Department of Architecture participated in

“The Big 5” – a national architecture event that featured seminars and

workshops between 09 and 11 September, 2019.

On staff development, a lot of academic and non-academic staff either

through self-sponsorship or scholarships/grants have attended trainings and

conferences in the past one year. Sponsors include the University

Conference/training Support Scheme, TETFund Conference support,

Postdoctoral Fellowship of American Association of University Women,

TWAS/DFG Germany, May and Baker, and the UK National Institute for

Health Research.

The Department of Architecture was able to attract four prizes to the tune of

Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) that will be given on annual basis to four

outstanding students in the following categories: best graduating B.Sc.

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student; best B.Sc. in Design Portfolio; best graduating M.Sc. student and;

best M.Sc. in Design Portfolio.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine received a cash donation of One Million

Naira (N1,000,000) and Fifty Thousand (N50,000) from Oba Sansi

Foundation for research and the best graduating student in the Faculty in

2019, respectively.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine received a donation of 10 Microscopes

from the Graduating Class of 2006.

Professor Clement Olusegun Olaniran Kolawole, Professor Wole Akinsola,

and Professor Segun Ajiboye, inducted as Members of the Nigerian

Academy of Education.

The Faculty of Pharmacy hosted international visitors from renowned

organizations such as the International Vaccine Institute, Welcome Trust,

Robert Koch Institute and National Centre for Disease Control.

Miss Deborah Ige, a postgraduate student from the Department of

Aquaculture and Fisheries Management was among the eight students

selected to participate in the Africa Small Scale Fisheries (Fish Trade)

Writers Workshop organized by World Fish and the Consultative Group for

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International Agricultural Research (CGIAR: Research Programme on Fish)

in Lusaka, Zambia from 26 to 30 November, 2018.

Miss Christianah Oluwadamilola Ogundipe, M.Sc. student in the

Department of Social and Environmental Forestry won the Erasmus Mundus

Scholarship, which would enable her participation in the Mediterranean

Forestry and Natural Resources Management M.Sc. programme in Italy,

Spain, Portugal and Turkey during the 2018/2019 academic session.

Mr. Timilehin Adewole, M.Sc. student in the Department of Forest

Production and Products was awarded a MasterCard Scholarship to enable

him undertake the M.Sc. training in Sustainable Forest Management at the

University of British Columbia, Canada during the 2018/2019 session.

Mr. Adelodun Ridwan Majekobaje, M.Sc. student in the Department of

Forest Production and Products was awarded a Research Assistantship

position in Renewable Natural Resources Management at the Louisiana

State University, USA for the 2018/2019 session.

Mr. Segun Michael Adeyemo, M.Sc. student from the Department of Forest

Production and Products won the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship which

would allow him to undertake the M.Sc. programme in Mediterranean

Forestry and Natural Resources Management in Italy, Spain, Portugal and

Turkey during the 2018/2019 academic session.

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Miss Onyinyechi V. Uhuo was awarded the Prohibition of Chemical

Weapons (OPCW) Fellowship for Ph.D research visit to the University of

the Western Cape, South Africa.

Abimbola Olalere and Happiness Bassey, Ph.D students from the

Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management were awarded

scholarships from the United Nations Fisheries Institute, Iceland to enable

them complete their research programmes.

Mrs. Temidayo Adeyanju, a Ph.D student in the Department of Wildlife and

Ecotourism Management was awarded the Rufford Foundation Small Grant

($5,000) to support her research work on ‘Assessment and Impact of Land

Use and Anthropogenic Activities on Insectivorous Bat Species

Composition and Activities in Omo Forest Reserve, Southwest Nigeria’.

Mr. Adewunmi O. Adenaiya, a Ph.D student from the Department of Forest

Production and Products secured the Commonwealth Split-site Scholarship

Award which allowed him to travel to Bangor University, Wales, United

Kingdom to complete the laboratory aspects of his research work.

We have been in a celebration mood on this campus for the past few days

after we learnt of the good news of the excellent performance of the

University of Ibadan Law graduates at the 2019 Final Bar Examination of

the Nigerian Law School. Twenty six of our former students finished with

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First Class and this is easily the best performance among all Nigerian

Universities. We congratulate the students, their parents and guardians for

doing us proud.

Earlier in the year no less than four of our Law Alumni were elevated to the

inner bar. They include Mr Dayo Apata, SAN, the Solicitor-General of the

Federation and Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Justice. He was

among the pioneer set of students to be admitted into the UI Law programme

in 1981 and graduated in 1984; Mr Oladipo Olasope, SAN (graduating class

of 1987), Mr Abiodun Olatunji, SAN (graduating class of 1991), and Mr

Aikunegbe Anthony Malik, SAN (graduating class of 2000).

HONORARY DEGREES AND FELLOWSHIP

It is my pleasure to announce to this gathering that the University of Ibadan

will confer honorary degrees on four and Fellowship on one outstanding Nigerians.

The honourees are people who have distinguished themselves in their various

fields of endeavours. I need to point out that one of the honourees a distinguished

Professor passed on last month, but the University is going ahead with the award.

The University of Ibadan is known to confer its honorary degrees and

Fellowship only upon persons of notable intellectual, scholarly, professional or

creative achievement or service to humanity consistent with the rich tradition of

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the Institution. In the light of this, therefore, I felicitate with all the five recipients.

Our much respected father, elder statesman and revered legal luminary, Aare Afe

Babalola, SAN, the Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti will be

receiving a Doctor of Letters (honoris causa). Three of our former teachers made

the prestigious list. This includes our 9th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodele O.

Falase who will be receiving a honorary Fellowship; the foundation Dean of

Technology Professor Fola Aboaba, and the former Dean of The Social Sciences,

Professor Emmanuel Edozien (who unfortunately passed on 5 October, 2019, after

his degree has been approved by both Senate and Council). We pray for the repose

of the great but humble soul of Professor Edozien who his former students fondly

referred to as ‘Teacher’. Similarly, Professor Alex Chika Eze a distinguished

alumnus who has assisted the university tremendously in capacity building of our

staff will be receiving an honorary Doctor of Science. These are all distinguished

Nigerians and eminent global citizens.

UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN-SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

COLLABORATION

In the realization of the centrality of SMEs as drivers of economic growth in

Nigeria and to foster cooperative research and development (R&D) support for

small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the University of Ibadan has been working

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hard to practically ensure that a structure is put in place to foster UI-SME

collaboration. The first UI-SME summit which serves as an opportunity to discuss

the progress made so far at the University of Ibadan and brainstorm on how to co-

ideate the way forward by all stakeholders including University of Ibadan

researchers, representatives of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Banks, Small

and Medium Scale Enterprises, Industrial Trust Fund, government MDAs and

other relevant stakeholders was held on 7th November 2019.

The summit is meant to kickstart continuous interaction between the

University of Ibadan and all SMEs stakeholders as a strategy focused on building

the strength of our academic research system and linking this strength to Industries

for Partnerships and Innovation that responds to today’s needs and positions in

Nigeria. A website and Email (https://sme.ui.edu.ng/ and smec@ui.edu.ng) is

available for continued collaboration beyond the summit. Some of the benefits

apart from providing R&D support to SMEs while ensuring that researches

emanating from UI are purposeful, include internship and sabbatical opportunities

for students and staff, respectively.

This is being proposed as an annual Fair event at the University of Ibadan to

showcase outcomes of the collaboration.

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COMMISSIONED PROJECTS

The following are some of the completed projects which have been

commissioned since the last convocation programme:

Construction of Hatchery Building for Teaching and Research Farm.

Construction of Post Graduate Hostel Block at the College of Medicine.

Construction of Post Graduate Hostel Block and Furnishing within Queen

Idia Hall of Residence.

Construction of Urban and Regional Planning Building Phase 2.

Construction of Laboratories and Offices for Faculty of Pharmacy.

Rehabilitation of Renewable Resources Centre building for Biogas at

Teaching and Research Farm.

Re-modeling of Women's Law Clinic, Faculty of Law

We are grateful to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, under the able

leadership of Governor Raji Babatunde Fashola, SAN, for the on-going asphalt

overlay of Gongola Road, and the rehabilitation of Amina Way and Sokoto

Crescent.

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MAJOR BENEFACTIONS

The University of Ibadan has enjoyed goodwill and benefactions from individuals,

groups and corporate organisations too numerous to mention. I use this opportunity

to ones again express appreciation to all our benefactors private and corporate who

have at one time or the other extended hands of fellowship to the University in

cash and in kind. The various donations and awards had been duly acknowledged.

May God bless you all.

I must mention the donation of twenty Five Million Naira (N25 million) by

His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde after his election before he

assumed office as the Governor of Oyo State. He has more recently

facilitated the donation of a borehole to Queen Idia Hall of Residence We

are very grateful, Sir.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr John Kayode Fayemi, donated a sum of Five

Million Naira to the Department of History.

Odole Oodua Dr. (Sir) Adebutu Kensington is building an Auditorium for

our Department of Human Nutrition, College of Medicine, at a cost of

nearly Three Hundred Million Naira.

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Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church

of Nigeria continues to support this University. His most recent gesture was

his donation of Ten Million Naira to the Department of Architecture.

Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye donated Five Million Naira to the UI Women’s

Society toward the construction of the Folu Adeboye Female Hall of

Residence.

Professor Ben Orumah, Alumnus, President and Chief Executive Officer,

AFREXIMBank, Cairo, Egypt, donated the sum of Two Million Naira.

Mrs Maiden Ibru, Alumna, Publisher Guardian Press Limited, Lagos,

donated the sum of Two Million Naira.

Dr Diran Fawibe, Alumnus, Chief Executive Officer, International Energy

Services Limited, Energy House, Ikoyi, Lagos, donated the sum of Five

Million Naira.

The Central Bank of Nigeria donated Ten Million Naira to towards the 60th

Anniversary of the Department of Economics.

Niger Delta Western Limited through the assistance of Dr. Layi Fatona,

Alumnus 1970, made a donation of the first tranche of one hundred Million

Naira (N100 million) towards the Professor Mosobalaje Oyawoye building

Project.

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We received a donation of Seeding laboratory Equipment worth N206

Million from Seeding Lab of Boston, USA. We acknowledge the donation

of N12 million from the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi

Akeredolu SAN, for payment of Programme Fee and clearing of the

Seeding Laboratory equipment in the Department of Zoology, and

sponsorship of a postgraduate student of Ondo State origin to do research

work in Norway.

The National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) is

assisting the University towards the construction of a building for the 60th

anniversary of the Department of Geology, for which a sum of Two

Hundred and Forty Million Naira has been approved.

Dharmattan Nigeria Limited donated a sum ₦2,000,000.00 (Two million

naira) for the construction of a car park at the Department of Geology.

Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole, immediate Past Vice-Chancellor and

immediate past Minister of Health and his Committee of Friends donated

the sum of Ten Million Naira to the University of Ibadan Research

Foundation.

Mrs Awuneba Ajumogobia donated One Million Naira to the University of

Ibadan Research Foundation.

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Professor Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye, Registrar, Teachers’ Registration

Council of Nigeria donated Five Hundred Thousand Naira to the University

of Ibadan.

Otunba Olutola Senbore, Chairman FCMB, donated One Million Naira

OBITUARY

I wish to commiserate with the families of our serving and retired members of staff

and students who passed on since the last Convocation ceremony.

They are:

Mr. Ayeafe Bamidele Aliu, Department of Botany,

Mr. Michael Olusola Omotosho, Department of Animal Science;

Mr. Godwin Akpan Udoh, Campus Security Service;

Mr. Awojide Adeboye, Works & Maintenance Department,;

Professor Kayode Omolawon, Department of Human Kinetics and Health

Education;

Professor Adeniran Olubukola Fawole, Department of Obstetrics and

Gynaecology;

Mr. Simeon Ajoma Oboh, School of Business;

Dr. Adelani Aremu Adeleke, a staff of the University Health Service;

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Mrs. Olufunmilayo Odusi, a staff of the Teaching & Research Farm

Mr. Sunday Onyekwere Ogbonnaya, a staff in the Department of

Chemistry;

Mr. S Eyamaru, a staff in the Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall;

Professor J.O. Osiki, Department of Guidance and Counselling;

Mr. Aminu Othman Zubairu, Department of Mathematics;

Mrs Ekoi Grace Godwin, a staff in the Campus Security Service;

Mr. Aminu Jubril Olayemi, a staff in the Campus Security Service;

Mr. Michael Godwin Ahuaza, a staff in the Department of Veterinary

Surgery and Radiology;

Mr. Rotimi Olawale Akinyinka, a staff in the College of Medicine;

Mrs Florence F. Dairo, a staff in the Department of Mechanical Engineering;

Dr. Iyabode M. F. Abiodun-Solanke of the Faculty of Dentistry;

Professor Simbo D. Amanor-Boadu, Head, Department of Anaesthesia;

Mr. J. A. Ademola, a staff in the Faculty of Technology;

Mr. Peter Chukwunyem Nwaokolo, a staff of the Zoological Garden;

Professor F. A. Adesoji, former Head, Department of Teacher Education,;

Mr. E.O Ayodele, a staff in the Department of Agronomy;

Mrs Olubunmi Abosede Morakinyo, a staff in the Department of

Agricultural Extension and Rural Development.

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We equally lost the following retired staff

Dr. Julius Ayodeji Akinwumiju,, Department of Educational Management

Professor Joseph Patrick Akpan Ukoyen, Department of European Studies;

Professor Onigu Otite, Department of Sociology

Professor Benjamin A. Oso, Department of Botany;

Professor J.O. Obemeata, Institute of Education;

Professor Wilson Olabode Aiyepeku, Former Director, Africa Regional

Centre for Information Science;

Professor R.O. Fagbenle, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Professor Tam David-West, Department of Virology.

CONCLUSION

Let me conclude this address by once again congratulating our graduands. You

have worked tirelessly to earn this deserving honour. Some of you who were

products of this University are already familiar with the high expectations from

you. For those who are receiving the degree and joining the University of Ibadan

family for the first time today, I encourage you to join the Alumni Chapter closest

to you and play active role by “Sustaining the legacy, Raising the Bar”.

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Thank you all for your kind attention.

Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka

Vice-Chancellor

Monday, 18th November 2019