UI Likeminds Initiative gives back to Faculty, renovates A206 lecture room *VC welcomes development, commends donors

Some of the ways to measure the quality of a university is to find out what her graduates are doing after leaving the institution and their contributions toward their alma mater.

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka made the assertion in a remark while commissioning A206 classroom renovated by the Alumni of the Faculty of Education also known as UI Likeminds Initiatives on Friday.

According to Prof. Olayinka, in other parts of the world, alumni always try to give back to their alma mater, as a way of supporting the institution to improve and perform better.

He lamented that there has been a crisis of funding in the university for a long time because the government is unable to meet the needs of federal institutions, pointing out that the university is not run for profit-making despite the increase in school and accommodation fees.

Prof Olayinka, however, appreciated the alumni for the resolve to give back to their faculty and the university, expressing optimism that the initiative will encourage other sets in the faculty to emulate.

He prayed more blessing and prosperity from God on the donors urging them not to relent to continue to do all within their powers to support the faculty and university to be better, just like the management team under his leadership are striving for on a daily basis.

In his welcome address earlier, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Andy Fadoju appreciates the contribution of the UI Likeminds Initiatives towards the development of the faculty.

He disclosed that effort is ongoing to sensitise the community to contribute towards the development of the Faculty and by extension the university.

Prof Fadoju also expressed confidence in that, with the effort of the group of donors under the aegis of UI Likeminds Initiatives, many other sets will join the train to contribute their quota to making the Faculty better than its current position.

The UI Likeminds Initiative comprises the graduating set of 1995/1996 alumni of the Faculty of Education, UI.

The representative of the set, Dr Olumide Olajide revealed that the initiatives started in 2017 after the demise of one of their friends and colleagues, Dr Jumoke Odeyemi, who was also a former staff of the Open University.

He said the initial plan by the set was to immortalised her but a motion of how to give back to their faculty was raised by some of the members of the group.

Dr Olumide said that a reunion was held in 2018 and the little money contributed was used to buy dustbin which was donated to all the classrooms in the Faculty.

The representative further explained that the set resolved to renovate classroom this year and when some of the members moved around the classrooms in the Faculty, it was discovered that A206 was the worst that needs renovation.

In his vote of thanks, the Faculty Officer, Mr A. O. Oni on behalf of the staff and students appreciate the Vice-Chancellor and the Likeminds Initiatives of 1995/1996 Alumni.

Present at the occasion were Dean of Students, Prof. Keye Abiona; Director of University of Ibadan Distance Learning, Prof. Oyesoji Aremu; the Sub Dean (undergraduate), Dr. Ndidi Ofoli; the Head, Department of Education, Prof. O. A. Fakolade; and the Head, Department of Social Work, Prof. T. G. Adegoke.

Others are, Prof. M.S. Eniola, Department of Special Education, Prof. Adebomi Oyewumi, Department of Special Education, Prof. S. O. Ajitoni, Department of Teacher Education, Dr Olumide Olajide, Department of Adult Education and Dr R. A. Animashaun, Department of Guidance and Counselling.